OREM, Utah ā A multi-agency manhunt is underway for the individual responsible for the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University (UVU) on Wednesday. In a day marked by confusion and conflicting reports, law enforcement officials confirmed late Wednesday that two people who had been taken into custody were released after questioning, with authorities stating that neither had any current ties to the shooting.
The Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS) confirmed the ongoing “manhunt for the shooter” in a statement. The FBI, which has joined the investigation, also stated that the subject previously in custody was released after interrogation and that their investigation continues. This clarification came after an initial period of conflicting information, with a campus alert and an FBI Director’s post on X at one point suggesting a suspect had been apprehended.
The Targeted Attack
The shooting occurred on Wednesday afternoon as Kirk, 31, was speaking at an outdoor event as part of his “The American Comeback Tour.” Witnesses and social media videos of the incident captured the moment a single shot rang out, hitting Kirk in the neck as he answered a question from the audience. A law enforcement official familiar with the matter stated that the shooter is believed to have fired from the roof of a nearby building, confirming the targeted nature of the attack.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox swiftly condemned the act, labeling it a “political assassination” and a “dark day” for the state and the nation. The incident has reignited nationwide concerns over escalating political violence.
Widespread Condemnation and Political Fallout
The assassination has prompted a wave of condemnation from across the political spectrum. President Donald Trump, a close ally of Kirk, confirmed the activist’s death on social media, calling him “a very, very good friend” and ordering all American flags to be flown at half-staff until Sunday in his honor. In a subsequent video message, Trump lamented the killing and suggested that the “radical left” was responsible for the kind of rhetoric that leads to such violence.
Former Presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama also denounced the attack. Biden stated that there is “no place in our country for this kind of violence,” while Obama called the act “despicable violence” and urged for a redoubling of efforts to engage in peaceful debate.
Investigation and Community Response
The UVU campus was immediately evacuated and remained closed, with classes canceled until further notice. Authorities are currently analyzing security camera footage and are asking the public for any information, photos, or videos from the event. The search for a suspect continues as investigators pursue new leads.
The attack comes amid a recent wave of high-profile political violence across the U.S. and has prompted a broader conversation about the state of political discourse in the country. Kirk, who founded the influential conservative youth organization Turning Point USA in 2012, was a prominent and often polarizing figure in American politics, known for his ability to mobilize young voters. His death leaves a void in the conservative movement and has sent shockwaves through a nation grappling with its deep political divisions.
