A person of interest is in custody following the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, authorities confirmed. The 31-year-old co-founder of Turning Point USA was struck by a single gunshot during a Q&A session at his “American Comeback Tour” event, in what Utah Governor Spencer Cox called a “political assassination.”
The incident occurred shortly after noon in the university’s Sorensen Center courtyard, where Kirk was addressing a crowd of approximately 3,000. Video footage shows Kirk responding to a question about mass shootings when a shot rang out, striking him in the neck. Attendees fled in panic as police and emergency responders secured the scene. Kirk was rushed to a hospital but succumbed to his injuries.
FBI Director Kash Patel announced on X that a “subject” was in custody, though Utah officials initially provided conflicting reports, with some stating the shooter remained at large. Governor Cox later clarified that a person of interest was being interviewed, with authorities relying on campus CCTV footage showing a suspect dressed in dark clothing, possibly firing from a rooftop. A man initially detained, George Zinn, was cleared as the shooter but charged with obstruction of justice.
The shooting has drawn widespread condemnation. President Donald Trump, a close ally of Kirk, mourned his death on Truth Social, calling him “Great, and even Legendary,” and ordered U.S. flags lowered to half-staff until Sunday. House Speaker Mike Johnson and former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords also expressed grief, condemning political violence.
Utah authorities, alongside the FBI, continue to investigate, urging anyone with information to come forward. The university remains closed, with students offered police escorts. Cox emphasized Utah’s death penalty, vowing to hold the perpetrator accountable.
The attack, occurring amid a reported spike in political violence, has reignited calls for unity. A prayer vigil for Kirk is scheduled in Washington, D.C., as the nation grapples with the loss of a prominent conservative voice.
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