A large-scale manhunt is in progress after conservative commentator and political activist, Charlie Kirk, was fatally shot Wednesday in what Utah Governor Spencer Cox has called a “political assassination.”
Kirk, 31, was delivering remarks at an outdoor event at Utah Valley University when he was struck in the neck by gunfire.
Witness footage captured the moment he stumbled and bled heavily before collapsing.
Authorities responded quickly, and an individual was initially taken into custody but later released.
FBI Director, Kash Patel, confirmed the development in a statement shared on social media.
“The subject in custody has been released after an interrogation by law enforcement. Our investigation continues and we will continue to release information in interest of transparency,” Patel said.
President Donald Trump mourned the death of his longtime ally and praised Kirk’s influence on young Americans.
“The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead,” Trump posted on Truth Social.
“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 the founder of Turning Point USA and a vocal supporter of Trump’s political movement. His death has sparked widespread reaction across conservative political circles.
Law enforcement agencies continue to search for the suspected shooter, though no arrests have been announced since the release of the initial person of interest.
