A suspect is in police custody in connection with the fatal shooting of right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk, FBI director Kash Patel said.
“The subject for the horrific shooting today that took the life of Charlie Kirk is now in custody,” Patel said in a post on X. “Thank you to the local and state authorities in Utah for your partnership with @fbi.”
The 31-year-old’s death was confirmed by the president. “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
“No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!”
The president ordered flags flown at half-mast.
Video, posted on social media, showed Kirk sitting at a booth when a gunshot rings out. Kirk falls backwards with blood pouring from his neck as people begin screaming and running. Separate video showed Kirk being rushed to an SUV by his security team.
Kirk founded influential right-wing advocacy group, Turning Point USA, when he was 18 years old and is a high-profile figure in Republican circles. He is survived by his wife, Erika, son and daughter.
Shot that killed Kirk came ‘potentially from a roof’ – Utah official
Beau Mason, Commissioner at the Utah Department of Public Safety, told the briefing that the shot that killed Kirk came “potentially from a roof,” at a long distance.
The shooter wore dark clothing and fired from “some distance away.”
Rhian Lubin10 September 2025 23:44
‘We still have the death penalty here’ – Gov. Cox
Governor Spencer Cox said that the person responsible will be held accountable.
“We have a person of interest in custody. I want to make it crystal clear to whoever is responsible… and we will hold you accountable to the full extent of the law,” Cox said.
“And I want to remind you, we still have the death penalty here.”
“Our nation is broken, he added. “I don’t care what his politics are. I care that he was American.”
Mike Bedigan, Rhian Lubin10 September 2025 23:43
Utah Gov: “This is a political assassination”
Utah authorities are now holding a press conference about the shooting.
Kirk was killed with a single shot in what is believed to be a targeted attack, Utah Governor Spencer Cox said.
“This is a political assassination,” Cox said.
Rhian Lubin10 September 2025 23:35
Pictured: Armed police patrol the area
Rhian Lubin10 September 2025 23:24
Manhunt underway to catch suspect, still at large
A manhunt is underway for the suspect who shot and killed right-wing activist Charlie Kirk while he was speaking at the political event on a Utah college campus.
The suspect’s identity is unknown and the shooter remains on the loose as Orem Police, Utah Valley University Police, the FBI and the Utah Department of Public Safety carry out an active manhunt.
Authorities swooped on the campus and the surrounding area following the violence. Officers are currently scouring the neighborhood bordering campus, going door to door for information as the suspect remains at large.
A law enforcement source told CNN the weapon has not yet been recovered.
U.S. Marshals are on standby to support the manhunt, but they have not yet been deployed, the source added.
Rhian Lubin10 September 2025 23:15
Turning Point USA release statement following death of Charlie Kirk
Turning Point USA, the conservative advocacy organization founded by Charlie Kirk, has released a statement following his death:
Mike Bedigan10 September 2025 23:03
Officials to give update on Charlie Kirk shooting
Authorities in Utah say they will give an update on the investigation into the fatal shooting of MAGA influencer Charlie Kirk at 6 p.m. local time.
Mike Bedigan10 September 2025 23:00
UVU campus evacuated after Charlie Kirk shooting
The Utah Valley University campus has been evacuated after the killing of the 31-year-old conservative activist and MAGA influencer.
A university statement said after Kirk’s fatal shooting that the campus remains closed and classes are canceled until further notice.
Those still on campus were asked to stay in place until police officers can safely escort off campus.
Meanwhile, armed officers are walking around the neighborhood bordering the campus, knocking on doors and asking for information as the suspect remains at large.
Mike Bedigan10 September 2025 22:56
