"The individual in custody has been released following a thorough interrogation by law enforcement," FBI Director Kash Patel posted on X (formerly known as Twitter) on the evening of September 10. "Our investigation is ongoing, and we will continue to release information in the spirit of transparency." Meanwhile, the shooter remains at large. New revelations continue to emerge regarding the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk.
Hours after the conservative activist, aged 31, was tragically gunned down during a speaking engagement at Utah Valley University, the FBI confirmed the detention of a suspect. "The individual responsible for today's horrific shooting that claimed the life of Charlie Kirk is now in custody," tweeted FBI Director Kash Patel on September 10. "Gratitude to the local and state authorities in Utah for their partnership with the @fbi." He further assured that the agency would provide updates on the case "when possible."
Utah Governor Spencer Cox also confirmed at a September 10 press conference that a "person of interest" was in custody, which a senior FBI official informed NBC News was the same individual Patel referenced. The official expressed confidence that this was the shooter.
Kirk, co-founder of Turning Point USA, was approximately 20 minutes into his presentation at the Orem, Utah, campus when the suspect fired a single shot from the Losee Center, a building roughly 200 yards away, according to university spokesperson Ellen Treanor, who spoke with CNN. Prior to the FBI's announcement that they had the "subject" in custody, a different man was initially detained but ultimately did not match the descriptions of the suspected shooter, Utah Department of Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason informed reporters.
Based on CCTV footage, the shooter—who fired only one round—was clad entirely in dark attire, the commissioner noted, adding, "I believe this was a targeted attack aimed at one individual." In response to the incident, the college shuttered its campus, canceling all classes until further notice. "We are requesting those still on campus to secure in place until police officers can safely escort them off campus," Treanor stated in a CNN interview.
Kirk, who was hosting his signature "Prove Me Wrong" table at the college to launch his nationwide American Comeback Tour, was the sole individual shot in the incident and was promptly transported to a nearby hospital, a college spokesperson informed NBC News.
President Donald Trump confirmed Kirk's death in a message later that same day. "The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead," the 79-year-old wrote on Truth Social on September 10. "No one understood or possessed the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was cherished and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us." Extending his condolences to Kirk's wife, Erika Frantzve, and their two children, Trump added, "Melania and I offer our sympathies to his beautiful wife Erika and family. Charlie, we love you!"
In the wake of Kirk's passing, the President was just one of several individuals to pay tribute to the political activist, with Turning Point USA also honoring his life and legacy. "May he be received into the merciful arms of our loving Savior who suffered and died for Charlie," the conservative youth advocacy group shared in a statement to NBC News on September 10. "We ask that everyone keep his family and loved ones in your prayers. We ask that you please respect their privacy and dignity during this time."
