Rifle cartridges recovered in connection with the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk were engraved with “transgender and anti-fascist ideology,” according to a leaked email from investigators.

Conservative talk show host Steve Crowder obtained a description of the weapon from an unidentified person at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, he said in a post on X.

Mr. Crowder posted the contents of the email, which The Washington Times is attempting to verify. The email’s description of the type of rifle used matches the details disclosed by the FBI in a Thursday morning press conference from Utah.

But the FBI did not disclose if the shooter left behind a message.

Mr. Kirk, 31, was shot and killed at Utah Valley University while kicking off his “American Comeback” tour of college campuses.

He is known for engaging college campuses in political debate on hot-button issues, and his appearances have long drawn protesters who dislike his conservative views. Some of his heated exchanges with students have focused on transgender issues. Mr. Kirk has argued with students at college campuses that individuals cannot change genders, even with the help of hormones and surgery.

The Times has not confirmed the authenticity of the ATF email. The ATF said it would not comment on an active investigation.

The email describes the weapon as an older model imported Mauser .30-06 caliber bolt-action rifle that was wrapped in a towel and found in a wooded area near the campus.

“The spent cartridge was still chambered in addition to three unspent rounds at the top fed magazine. All cartridges have engraved wording on them, expressing transgender and anti-fascist ideology,” the email said.

On Thursday morning, FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert Bohls held a press conference describing the weapon as a high-powered, bolt-action rifle found in a wooded area. Investigators also found footprint impressions, palm prints, and forearm imprints now under analysis, he said.

A high-quality video captured images of the suspect, but the investigators were not ready to make the images public.

Investigators say the shooter fired from a rooftop 200 yards away from the canopy where Mr. Kirk was sitting and engaging with a crowd of students.

The FBI described the suspected shooter as someone who appeared to be “college-aged.”

The email obtained by Mr. Crowder said an “emergency trace” has been submitted to the ATF and the agency is “working leads generated by the trace.” The firearm and ammunition are also being analyzed for DNA analysis and fingerprint impressions.

The FBI initially detained two people for questioning but said later that neither is connected to the shooting.

• Susan Ferrechio can be reached at sferrechio@washingtontimes.com.