Charlie KirkPhoto by Nordin Catic/Getty Images for The Cambridge Union
The investigation into conservative pundit Charlie Kirk’s murder on Wednesday, September 10, is ongoing as the Utah Valley University community, and the entire country, continues to process the day’s tragic events.
Kirk, who was 31, was shot and killed while speaking at an event at the university.
Video shared on social media showed a bullet appear to strike the Turning Point USA founder in the neck as he was answering a question from the crowd related to gun violence.
The father-of-two was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he died shortly after.
“It’s with a heavy heart that we, the Turning Point USA leadership team, write to notify you that early this afternoon, Charlie went to his eternal reward with Jesus Christ in Heaven,” read a statement from Turning Point, released on Wednesday evening.
President Donald Trump also shared his condolences via TruthSocial while breaking the news to his followers.
“The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead,” Trump, 79, wrote. “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!”
As authorities continue to update the public on the investigation, keep scrolling for everything we know so far about Charlie Kirk’s death.
How Did Charlie Kirk Die?
Charlie Kirk Trent Nelson | The Salt Lake Tribune
Kirk was speaking at an event on his American Comeback Tour on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, when a gunman fired a single shot that appeared to strike him in the neck as he sat under a tent emblazoned with the words, “Prove Me Wrong.”
The shooting occurred around 1:20 p.m. local time from approximately 200 yards away, and video shared on social media showed witnesses immediately rushing to his aid. He was taken to a local hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
Who Did the Police Take Into Custody at the Scene?
Authorities took a man named George Zinn into custody in the immediate aftermath of the shooting. Photos and video shared on social media of Zinn, 71, being restrained by police led many to believe he was the shooter.
However, police soon determined he was not involved in the shooting and he was being taken into custody on suspicion of obstruction of justice. He was later released.
FBI Director Kash Patel and Utah Governor Spencer Cox both said later in the day that another man was in custody, but two hours later, Patel, 45, said the subject was “released after an interrogation by law enforcement.”
Utah Department of Public Safety commissioner Beau Mason urged the public not to harass the two individuals who have been released.
“These individuals were not suspects. They were people of interest,” he said on Thursday. “They don’t deserve that harassment.”
How Has Utah Valley University Responded to the Shooting?
Within minutes of the shooting, Utah Valley cancelled classes for the rest of the day.
It has since suspended classes and on-campus activities, both in Orem and on satellite campuses, through September 15.
University leadership also told students and faculty in an open letter posted on Wednesday that information will be forthcoming about additional mental health resources for those impacted by the shooting.
Authorities Are Still Looking for the Shooter
Utah Department of Public Safety commissioner Beau Mason Bethany Baker | The Salt Lake Tribune
The suspected killer is still at large, but authorities released more information in a press conference on Thursday morning, September 11.
They revealed that the alleged gunman is “male” and “appears to be of college age.”
Mason said that investigators have video of the suspect, who arrived on campus at 11:52 a.m.
They were able to track his movements to a roof, then recovered video of him jumping off and fleeing after the shooting.
Police found and are analyzing a footwear impression, palm print and forearm print that may have been left by the shooter.
The Gun Allegedly Used in the Murder Has Been Recovered
FBI special agent Robert Bohls revealed on Thursday that police have recovered a “high-powered, bolt action rifle” from the woods where the suspect fled.
They believe this was the gun used in the shooting, and Bohls said the FBI will analyze the weapon.
The FBI Has Released 2 Photos of the Suspect
Photo by FBI Salt Lake City / Handout/Anadolu via Getty Images
The FBI released two images of the suspected shooter via social media on Thursday, asking the public for help identifying him.
The photos show a man wearing a long-sleeved black shirt with an American flag on it, along with a black cap and sunglasses.
Those with information on the suspect can submit tips by dialing 1-800-CALL-FBI or visiting the FBI’s online tips page.
President Trump Plans to Award Charlie Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom
Trump announced on Thursday that he will posthumously award Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
The award has been given by presidents to American citizens since 1945, honoring those who have made an “especially meritorious contribution” to the nation, according to the executive order that created the medal.
“Charlie was a giant of his generation, a champion of liberty, and an inspiration to millions and millions of people,” Trump said.
“We miss him greatly, yet I have no doubt that Charlie’s voice and the courage he put into the hearts of countless people, especially young people, will live on.”
Kirk is survived by his wife, Erika Frantzve, and their two young children.
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