欧博FBI Says 'Subject' of Manhunt in Charlie Kirk Sh
Charlie Kirk, Turning Point USA co-founder and CEO, was fatally shot at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on Wednesday.
According to FBI Director Kash Patel, "the subject" is now "in custody."
The school initially told Newsweek: "This information is all preliminary but Charlie Kirk was invited to campus by a student group turning point USA he began his talking about 1 o'clock at about 120 there was a single shot fired from the top of a nearby building about 200 yards away to the best of our knowledge he has been hit and a suspect is in custody."
A person was then seen being detained after the shooting. According to Scott Trotter, university spokesman, police then said that the person taken into custody was not the shooter, The New York Times reported.
In an earlier email to Newsweek, the City of Orem said, in part: "There is still a suspect at large."
Why It MattersThe fatal attack targeted a high-profile conservative organizer speaking at a college campus, raising concerns of campus public-safety protocols, political violence and the security of public events.
What To KnowOn X at 6:21 p.m. ET, Patel posted, "The subject for the horrific shooting today that took the life of Charlie Kirk is now in custody. Thank you to the local and state authorities in Utah for your partnership with @fbi. We will provide updates when able."
Utah Governor Spencer Cox, a Republican, called Kirk's shooting a "political assassination."
The "person of interest" was captured on security camera footage dressed in all dark clothing, officials said in a news conference Wednesday evening. Cox added that there is not another person sought in Kirk's killing at this time.
Kirk, 31, was a staunch ally of President Donald Trump and a notable younger voice and advocate of MAGA, with a large following on social media.
Trump reacted to the shooting on Truth Social on Wednesday, saying: "We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!"
The president then confirmed Kirk's death in a subsequent post, saying: "The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. 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!"
Kirk was shot near the neck while seated during a live question-and-answer session. Videos of the shooting's aftermath have since circulated on social media.
According to a post on X by the university, Kirk was "hit and taken from the location by his security." In a follow-up post around 3:30 p.m. ET, the school said it is closed and people should "Leave campus immediately."
The shooting has prompted a campus lockdown and investigation involving local and federal authorities and public statements from elected officials. Official details remain limited.
Vice President JD Vance, on X Wednesday: "Say a prayer for Charlie Kirk, a genuinely good guy and a young father."
FBI Director Kash Patel, on X Wednesday: "We are closely monitoring reports of the tragic shooting involving Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. Our thoughts are with Charlie, his loved ones, and everyone affected. Agents will be on the scene quickly and the FBI stands in full support of the ongoing response and investigation."
Democratic California Governor Gavin Newsom, on X Wednesday: "The attack on Charlie Kirk is disgusting, vile, and reprehensible. In the United States of America, we must reject political violence in EVERY form."
What Happens NextLocal police and federal agents are investigating the shooting, including the origin of the gunfire.
Update 9/10/25, 6:54 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.