Authorities have confirmed that there is an “ongoing” manhunt after right-wing political commentator Charlie Kirk was fatally shot during an event at the Utah Valley University campus on Wednesday, September 10.
“This shooting is still an active investigation. The Utah Department of Public Safety and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) are co-leading this incident in unison with the Utah County Attorney’s office, the Utah County Sheriff’s office, and the local police departments,” the Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS) said in a news release.
Kirk attended the student-sponsored event in Orem, Utah, with his non-profit organization, Turning Point USA. Around 12:20 p.m., shots were fired and Kirk was taken to Timpanogos Regional Hospital. He was pronounced dead at the age of 31 hours later.
Sister of N.C. Murder Suspect Claims He Was ‘Hearing Voices’ Before Fatal Stabbing
The release stated that one person had been taken into custody as a suspect. The person was later released and charged with obstruction by UVU police. Meanwhile, DPS stated that a second suspect was also taken into custody and was released following an interrogation with law enforcement.
“There are no current ties to the shooting with either of these individuals. There is an ongoing investigation and manhunt for the shooter,” the release said of the two suspects.
In the news release, DPS confirmed that its State Crime Lab and law enforcement are looking into multiple active crime scenes connected to the incident. “These were identified based on where the victim was shot, as well as the locations where the suspect and victim travelled,” the release explained.
Charlie Kirk’s Family: Meet the Right-Wing Commentator’s Wife and Kids After His Death at 31
“The shooting is believed to be a targeted attack. The shooter is believed to have fired from the roof of a building down to the location of the public event in the student courtyard,” the release continued. “Any additional clarifications cannot be provided to protect the integrity of our investigation.”
The DPS concluded in the release, “This is a tragic moment for Utah and our country.”
Kirk was speaking to the crowd from his trademark “Prove Me Wrong” table as part of his American Comeback Tour when the shooting took place.
Following his death, several political figures took to social media to share their condolences.
“The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead,” Donald 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.”
Nancy Pelosi also wrote via X, “The horrific shooting today at Utah Valley University is reprehensible. Political violence has absolutely no place in our nation. All Americans should pray for Charlie Kirk’s recovery and hold the entire UVU community in our hearts as they endure the trauma of this gun violence.”
Kirk is survived by his wife, Erika Frantzve, and their two children.
