A suspect is in custody after conservative commentator and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk was fatally shot while speaking at a campus event at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10, federal and local authorities said Wednesday.
FBI Director Kash Patel posted on X that the man accused of the shooting "that took the life of Charlie Kirk is now in custody," and thanked state and local partners. The Orem Police Department said Kirk, 31, was conducting a question-and-answer session from a pop-up tent on the Orem campus as part of his American Comeback Tour when the gunfire erupted.
Authorities said the suspect was on the run after the shooting and was captured following a manhunt. Earlier reports that identified an older white man as the suspect were refuted by law enforcement. A video circulating on social media showed a person in white shorts and a blue sweatshirt kneeling and telling officers, "I have the right to remain silent," according to multiple accounts.
Witnesses and officials described chaotic scenes as thousands in attendance fled the area. Former U.S. Rep. Jason Chaffetz, who said he was at the event with his family, told Fox News the gunfire occurred while Kirk was answering a question about mass shootings committed by transgender people. Chaffetz said Kirk "fell back to his left" and that there had been limited security checks and a light police presence at the event.
Accounts of the shooting's circumstances varied. Some reporting and social media posts described a single shot striking Kirk in the neck from what was characterized as long distance, while Chaffetz said he believed Kirk was shot from close proximity in front of the stage. Video from the scene showed Kirk recoil and clutch his neck after a loud report, and other footage captured panicked spectators running for cover.
Kirk, a prominent figure in conservative media and a vocal supporter of former President Donald Trump, was rushed to a nearby hospital and underwent emergency surgery. He later died of his injuries, friends and associates told media outlets. He is survived by his wife, Erika Frantzve, and two young children.
President Trump posted on Truth Social that "The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead," adding that Kirk was "loved and admired by ALL, especially me," and sent sympathies to Kirk's family.
Law enforcement personnel conducted a sweep of campus buildings after the shooting and maintained a presence as investigators processed the scene. Authorities did not immediately release the suspect's name or additional details about a possible motive. The Orem Police Department and the FBI did not immediately provide further comment beyond confirming the suspect was in custody.
Kirk rose to national prominence through conservative activism, founding Turning Point USA and building a large following on social media platforms where he engaged in debates on college campuses and promoted right-leaning political views. The shooting drew rapid political and media attention, prompting statements from public figures and law enforcement as officials worked to piece together a timeline of events.
Investigators continue to interview witnesses and review footage from the event. Officials have urged anyone with information to come forward as the investigation proceeds.
This is a developing story; details may change as law enforcement releases more information.