Gov. Spencer Cox (R) and representatives of multiple law enforcement agencies in Utah held a press conference on Wednesday evening to deliver an update on the ongoing investigation into the assassination of Charlie Kirk.

The officials confirmed that they “were working together” with Charlie Kirk’s private security team.

‘At this point there is no information that would lead us to believe that there is a second person involved.’

“He has his team. They do this all over the country. We all know that. This is not uncommon for them. … I was coordinating with his lead security guy. So yeah, we were working together,” Utah Valley University Chief of Police Jeff Long said in the press conference.

RELATED: Charlie Kirk: Loving father, fearless communicator, happy warrior — 1993-2025

Trump ordered all flags to be lowered to half-mast in mourning for Charlie Kirk until Sunday at 6:00pm Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

Chief Long expressed his condolences for Kirk’s family and said that this is “a police chief’s nightmare.”

Long confirmed that there were six campus police officers working the event, which was estimated to have “over 3,000” attendees.

Police arrested and booked a “suspect” who later was confirmed not to match the description of the shooter. However, this person has been booked for obstruction of justice by Utah Valley Police Department.

Officials also stated that the suspected shooter was still at large. FBI Director Kash Patel later posted to X that a “subject” who had been “in custody has been released after an interrogation by law enforcement.”

Officials said that there is, at this time, “no information that would lead us to believe that there is a second person involved.”

Officials said the footage they have is from CCTV video, which a spokesperson indicated is of low quality. When asked what they know about the suspected shooter, another spokesperson said that they know that the suspect is dressed in “all dark clothing.”

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UPDATE 7:28 p.m. ET: Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said a “person of interest” is in custody this evening though no charges were immediately announced, the Associated Press reported.

Utah authorities said at a news briefing that the shooter wore dark clothing and fired from a roof on campus some distance away, the AP added.

Blaze News revised its previous headline and below reference to FBI Director Kash Patel in regard to a suspect in custody; the headline now reads “person of interest” and the previous update now reads “subject.”

A single AP headline posted around 6:30 p.m. ET in the live update feed reads “Person suspected in fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk now in custody, FBI director says.” The AP also noted in a summary at the top of its live update piece that “a person suspected in the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk is now in custody, according to a social media post from FBI Director Kash Patel.”

UPDATE 6:35 p.m. ET: FBI Director Kash Patel posted on X Wednesday evening that a subject is now in custody after the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk earlier in the day on a college campus in Utah.

“The subject for the horrific shooting today that took the life of Charlie Kirk is now in custody,” Patel wrote on the social media platform. “Thank you to the local and state authorities in Utah for your partnership with @fbi. We will provide updates when able.”

UPDATE 5 p.m. ET: Blaze News has confirmed through multiple sources that Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk was murdered Wednesday on a college campus in Utah.

Scott Trotter, a spokesman for Utah Valley University, released a statement saying the suspect is not yet in custody, Deseret News reported: “On September 10, 2025, at 12:20 a single shot rang out in the quad near the food court on the Utah Valley University Orem Campus as Mr. Charlie Kirk began speaking at his planned rally. We can confirm that Mr. Kirk was shot, but we don’t know his condition. The suspect is not in custody. Police are still investigating. Campus is closed for the rest of the day.”

Blaze News changed the headline of this initial report to reflect new information about the suspect as well as Kirk’s death.

UPDATE 4:17 p.m. ET: The New York Times, citing Scott Trotter, a university spokesman, reported that police determined that a person who was taken into custody after the shooting was not actually the shooter.

Blaze News has removed from its original report an X post and references to it showing a video of a man kneeling on the ground who was believed to be the shooter.

UPDATE 3:49 p.m. ET: Deseret News now reports that initially it was believed a shooter was in custody, but the outlet just updated its story saying that a first responder indicated officials aren’t sure they have the shooter and that the suspect may still be at large.

—

A suspect is in custody after conservative commentator Charlie Kirk was shot Wednesday at an outdoor event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Deseret News reported.

The outlet said bystanders reported seeing Kirk shot near his neck during a Q&A with students.

Deseret News cited a UVU alert to students that indicated a suspect is in custody. The outlet added that the campus has been evacuated.

“A single shot was fired on campus toward a visiting speaker. Police are investigating now, suspect in custody,” the alert reads, according to Deseret.

The suspect’s name wasn’t immediately released, the outlet added.

Blaze News has reached out to campus communications and police in Orem for additional information.

This is a breaking news story; updates will be added.

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Charlie James Kirk, a 31-year-old father of two and husband to Erika Kirk, was fatally shot and killed by an assassin at a Utah Valley University event in Orem, Utah, on Wednesday afternoon.

“Charlie Kirk was one of one. He was a gifted communicator, loving husband and father, visionary builder, and a faithful Christian. He was also my friend,” said Blaze Media CEO Tyler Cardon. “He was the most effective representative of conservative Christian values of his generation. A force of nature. I will miss him dearly.”

Blaze News editor in chief Matthew Peterson said, “This is a terrible day for America, and we must all pray for the repose of Charlie’s soul, for his family, and for our divided nation.”

Peterson continued, “His voice mattered for a reason. He was constantly and fearlessly working harder to make America great again and solve the looming problems of our age. He built an organization and reputation that ultimately helped staff and guide the current Trump administration.”

Instagram – Erika Kirk

Kirk noted in his book “Time for a Turning Point” that he had committed his life “to fighting to restore, perhaps finish building, an America that was envisioned by our Founding Fathers.”

At the age of 18, the native of Prospect Heights, Illinois, founded his vehicle for this restoration: Turning Point USA, a non-profit organization committed to empowering students to promote the principles of fiscal responsibility, free markets, and a limited government.

‘He never stopped building, he never stopped learning, and he never stopped doing.’

TPUSA, whose revenue exceeded $81 million in 2022, has not only influenced multiple American elections but has also sparked difficult conversations, changed perspectives, and helped build new connections on campus.

Critics have made sure to mention over the years that Kirk did not personally complete college. This persistent reminder made it all the more impressive when the young man would cut through academic theses like a hot knife through butter; when he coolly dismantled the best arguments that Oxford Union speakers could muster; and when he befriended the leader of the free world.

Peterson, who first met Kirk in class sessions he was teaching while heading up the Claremont Institute’s Lincoln Fellowship program, noted, “As a 2021 Lincoln Fellow, Charlie was a revelation: He was a bright light, a sharp student, and one of the best of the Fellows. He sought us out and wanted to be there in order to learn. Charlie then rose to his current position as a leader of this movement in the last few years because he never stopped building, he never stopped learning, and he never stopped doing.”

While Kirk would on occasion volunteer some criticism, he was to the end a resolute defender and friend of President Donald Trump, who on two occasions was himself nearly assassinated.

Trump noted in a statement, “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 has confirmed what I can scarcely bring myself to say: my dear friend, Charlie Kirk, is gone,” wrote Blaze Media co-founder Glenn Beck. “In all my years, I have spoken tens of millions of words—but tonight, I have none.

“Tomorrow, many of his friends and his Blaze family will join me on national radio and podcast as we try to honor him. I pray that God grants me the words worthy of such a man, though I know none of us could ever truly capture the depth of his faith, his courage, and his love for this country.”

“Pray, please, for his family. And pray for our republic, which has lost one of its most faithful defenders. I can only imagine the joy that must now fill his heart as he hears those words we all long to hear: ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant.’ Rest well, Charlie. Until we meet again.”

Blaze Media co-founder Mark Levin stated, “This is difficult to even write: We lost an extraordinary human being and patriot today, who was murdered by an assassin’s bullet. But Charlie’s legacy will never, ever be silenced. He touched and influenced not a few or a few thousand, but hundreds of thousands.”

“I knew Charlies well over many years. We were together during Salem radio KRLA events in L.A., I had him on TV and radio, I attended a few of his TPUSA events, he was a fan of my books, etc. He was a delight. Always curious. Happy. Joyous. Social. Articulate. Brilliant. Strategic. And much more,” Levin continued. “This is a dark and grave day. I cannot imagine the grief his wife and children and all his family are experiencing. God bless them, help them, and protect them.”

White House photo

Peterson recalled, “I interviewed him about statesmanship not long ago, and it occurred to me that above all, what Charlie was truly about was just that: statesmanship. Charlie Kirk was a leading statesman of his generation. And that is why what happened today was political assassination.”

Liberals at the Southern Poverty Law Center, CNN, and other outfits had long painted a target on Charlie Kirk’s back as they had Trump, smearing him as an extremist or worse — a dangerous game in light of polling data that indicate a great many on the American left are bloodthirsty and keen to advance their agenda by any means necessary.

‘I worship a God that defeats evil.’

Charlie Kirk is among those who stood up to radicals when it mattered most; spoke out against the left’s extreme agenda when it was at its strongest; and changed minds through spirited debate despite an unrelenting onslaught of vicious attacks by political and cultural elites.

A gunman evidently chose to silence a great man on Wednesday because his words and ideas were too powerful to rebut. Kirk is, however, not only survived by his loving wife, Erika Kirk, and two young children but by a movement that he has left permanently energized.

Kirk knew full well that some victories take time, but most importantly, that the ultimate victory belongs to God.

“I worship a God that defeats evil,” Kirk said at a TPUSA rally for Trump last year. “And we worship a God that wins in the end.”

Instagram – Erika Kirk

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The political world is mourning the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, and many voices on the left are calling for civility and an end to political violence.

Among those are former President Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, who posted their responses on social media. Kirk was celebrated on the right as the founder and CEO of Turning Point USA.

‘The best way to honor Charlie’s memory is to continue his work: engage with each other, across ideology, through spirited discourse.’

“There is no place in our country for this kind of violence. It must end now. Jill and I are praying for Charlie Kirk’s family and loved ones,” the former president said.

Former President Barack Obama also responded.

“We don’t yet know what motivated the person who shot and killed Charlie Kirk, but this kind of despicable violence has no place in our democracy,” he wrote. “Michelle and I will be praying for Charlie’s family tonight, especially his wife Erika and their two young children.”

Kirk was debating with students Wednesday on his national campus tour at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, when a gunshot rang out. He was shot in the neck and was pronounced dead later at a hospital.

Democratic U.S. Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania condemned the shooting and then responded after the death was announced.

“I condemn this in the strongest terms. There is ZERO place in our great country for these horrendous acts of political violence,” Fetterman wrote.

“Our family grieves for Charlie Kirk’s family. We must collectively find a way forward during these polarized times,” he added in a second message.

Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom also denounced political violence after news of the shooting had broken.

“The attack on Charlie Kirk is disgusting, vile, and reprehensible. In the United States of America, we must reject political violence in EVERY form,” he wrote.

RELATED: Leftists show their true colors after Charlie Kirk is shot — and it’s absolutely sickening

He added a long message after news of Kirk’s death.

“We should all feel a deep sense of grief and outrage at the terrible violence that took place in Utah today. Charlie Kirk’s murder is sick and reprehensible, and our thoughts are with his family, children, and loved ones,” he posted.

“I knew Charlie, and I admired his passion and commitment to debate. His senseless murder is a reminder of how important it is for all of us, across the political spectrum, to foster genuine discourse on issues that deeply affect us all without resorting to political violence,” Newsom added. “The best way to honor Charlie’s memory is to continue his work: engage with each other, across ideology, through spirited discourse.”

Some liberal influencers also chimed in.

“I don’t agree with anything Charlie Kirk says, but I will never, not ever, condone politically motivated violence of any kind. And I honest to God, hope he’s ok,” liberal activist Joanne Carducci responded.

A suspect was detained, according to a statement from FBI Director Kash Patel. President Donald Trump has ordered for flags to be flown at half-mast in Kirk’s memory.

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A family who witnessed conservative influencer Charlie Kirk’s murder said panic struck the crowd when a gunshot went off.

Kirk was shot in the neck Wednesday during an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.

Deanna Holland drove to the event with her family from Utah County, about 20 minutes away. Holland told Blaze News that she brought her two daughters, ages 14 and 18, and her son, 12, because they were huge fans of Kirk and wanted to meet him in person.

‘From what I can tell, there was a shooter on a rooftop.’

Holland said her young son was standing in line to ask Kirk a question as she watched from behind in the crowd.

“[He stood] just to the side of that line because he’s small and he was excited to speak with Charlie,” Holland told Blaze News.

While she was nearby with her two daughters, “there was one very loud shot,” she recalled.

“My son and my 14-year-old daughter both saw Charlie get shot.”

RELATED: Charlie Kirk murdered in college campus assassination

Image provided to Blaze News by Deanna Holland, taken Sept 10, 2025 at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.

“Everybody dropped,” Holland said.

Immediately, the elder daughter went looking for her brother, while Holland and the younger daughter headed for safety.

“I took my 14-year-old and went down towards the front underneath the cement. Right behind Charlie, there was a cement walkway that had [an overhang]. You could walk underneath it.”

The mother then started yelling for her other child.

“At that point in time, I just was yelling for my son, asking people to yell his name.”

Thankfully, Holland quickly noticed that her son was underneath the same cement walkway.

Police soon came down to the location, Holland remembered, and her family was then ushered into a grassy area to safety.

Holland described the gunshot as “very loud” and claimed that it came from her right and “up high,” which would have been to Kirk’s right as well.

“From what I can tell, there was a shooter on a rooftop,” Holland added. “There was not a shooter that I could tell in the general crowd.”

RELATED: Charlie Kirk shot during college campus tour

Photo by Nordin Catic/Getty Images

Despite the chaos, Holland said she was having a great time at the event while it was happening. She described the crowd as “a bunch of very patriotic college students” who would have “done what they needed to do” to protect Kirk if they could have.

After the fact, Holland’s young son revealed to her that he was brought to the cement area by a college-age girl who was also waiting in line to ask Kirk a question.

The boy wondered if she was there to disagree with or debate Kirk, given that she was wearing what he described as a “satanic T-shirt.”

“After the shot was fired, she was the one to take my son to safety under the bridge. He was even wearing a pro-life shirt at the time,” Holland said. “I just want to thank that young woman, whoever she is.”

Kirk’s murder is still under investigation at the time of this writing. FBI Director Kash Patel announced on X Wednesday evening, “The subject for the horrific shooting today that took the life of Charlie Kirk is now in custody.”

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Greg Gutfeld issued a fiery warning after the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk during “The Five” show on Fox News.

Many on the right and the left have offered condolences and prayers for the family of the Turning Point USA founder, who was shot and killed during a college campus event in Utah Wednesday.

‘If they can do this, they can do anything. I think that was the message. I believe that was the message.’

Gutfeld offered his condolences but then launched into a defiant tirade against those who wanted to use violence to shut down political opposition.

“I know that it’s somewhat an object of mockery to say ‘thoughts and prayers,’ but thoughts and prayers for his family. They need it from all of us,” Gutfeld said after co-host Jesse Watters spoke about Kirk.

“And Jesse’s right, if they can do this, they can do anything. I think that was the message. I believe that was the message,” he added. “It’s really hard to radicalize Republicans. You know, we’re not the radical type. But if you thought that you were going to shut a movement down, you’re going to get a rude awakening.”

He added emphatically, “You woke us the f**k up!”

Video of Gutfeld’s warning was circulated widely on social media.

RELATED: Biden, Obama, and others on the left call for end of political violence after death of Charlie Kirk

Photo by ANDRI TAMBUNAN/AFP via Getty Images

Police said they were looking for a suspect in dark clothing and that they were analyzing footage from security cameras at the university. Initial reports indicate that the alleged shooter shot Kirk from about 200 yards away.

Kirk was 31 years old.

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