A suspect who shot and killed conservative activist Charlie Kirk at a campus event in Orem, Utah, remains at large as state and federal investigators analyze security camera footage showing a person "dressed in all dark clothing," authorities said Thursday.
The shooting occurred shortly after midday Wednesday during a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University. Utah Department of Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason said investigators have only limited information about the possible shooter drawn from closed-circuit television on campus and that the footage is being closely reviewed. "The only information we have on the suspect, the possible shooter, is taken from closed-circuit TV here on campus," Mason said. "We do have that. We're analyzing it. But it is security camera footage, so you can kind of guess what the quality of that is. But we do know, dressed in all dark clothing. But we don't have a much better description other than that."
Kirk, the founder of the conservative group Turning Point USA, was struck by a single bullet at about 12:20 p.m. local time and was taken to Timpanogos Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, the Utah Department of Public Safety said. Authorities described the shooting as an active and coordinated investigation being led jointly by the Utah Department of Public Safety and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, in cooperation with the Utah County Attorney’s Office, the Utah County Sheriff’s Office and local police departments.
Investigators said multiple active crime scenes have been identified based on where the victim was shot and where the suspect and victim traveled. Authorities believe the attack was targeted and that the shooter fired from the roof of a building down into the student courtyard where the public event was being held. Law enforcement declined to provide further clarifications, citing the need to protect the integrity of the investigation.
Campus police initially detained a man identified as George Zinn in connection with the shooting; he was later released and charged with obstruction by campus police. A second individual who was taken into custody was also released after questioning. "There are no current ties to the shooting with either of these individuals," the Department of Public Safety said. The FBI has asked the public to send any photos or videos of the incident to investigators.
The event was held outdoors in a campus quad and drew an audience of about 3,000, the DPS said. UVU police had six officers on duty for the event in addition to Kirk’s private security detail. Officials said those security measures were in place prior to the attack and that officers and crime-lab personnel continue to process evidence at several locations related to the case.
The shooting prompted vigils across the country and statements from political figures. Former President Donald Trump described the shooting as a "dark moment for America" and said Kirk’s voice would be remembered as "bigger and grander," according to a post from his campaign. Organizers and supporters called for calm as law enforcement continued the search for the suspect.
Charlie Kirk was a prominent conservative organizer and commentator who founded Turning Point USA, an organization that focuses on engaging young conservatives on college campuses. The killing resulted in heightened security and political concern on campuses and at public events nationwide as authorities pursued leads and appealed for public assistance.
Authorities urged anyone with information, or any photo or video of the shooting or the surrounding area, to contact the FBI or local law enforcement. The investigation remains active, and officials said they will release additional details as they are verified.
