A sweeping manhunt was underway Thursday for the gunman who fatally shot conservative activist Charlie Kirk during a debate event at Utah Valley University in Orem. Authorities confirmed that two individuals detained overnight were released after investigators found no ties linking them to the assassination.
“The investigation remains ongoing, and the search for the shooter continues,” Beau Mason, commissioner of the Utah Department of Public Safety, said at a news conference.
Law enforcement believes the fatal shot came from the rooftop of a nearby building, roughly 137 yards from the stage where Kirk was speaking. Video taken moments after the attack shows a figure running across the roof as the crowd of about 3,000 dropped in panic. Additional footage reviewed by investigators reportedly depicts a person lying prone on the roof, raising suspicions of a sniper-style setup.
Give the gift of hope
We practice what we preach:
accurate, fearless journalism. But we can't do it alone.
- On the ground in Gaza, Syria, Israel, Egypt, Pakistan, and more
- Our program trained more than 100 journalists
- Calling out fake news and reporting real facts
- On the ground in Gaza, Syria, Israel, Egypt, Pakistan, and more
- Our program trained more than 100 journalists
- Calling out fake news and reporting real facts
Join us.
Support The Media Line. Save democracy.
Witness clips captured the dramatic moment when Kirk, 31, touched his neck and collapsed after the single gunshot rang out. Blood was seen gushing from the wound as attendees scrambled for safety. The university later confirmed only one round was fired.
President Donald Trump responded in a video address from the Oval Office, posted on Truth Social, condemning the killing. “My administration will find each and every one of those who contributed to this atrocity and to other political violence, including the organizations that fund it and support it,” Trump vowed.
The attack has prompted questions about security arrangements. With thousands present, just six campus officers were on duty, supplemented by private guards hired by Kirk’s team. Reporters noted the absence of bag checks or equipment screening at entry points.
Experts said the precision of the shooting suggested premeditation. “It appears not to be a spontaneous event, but something planned,” CNN analyst John Miller remarked, pointing to the long-range accuracy of the single shot.
Officers continued door-to-door sweeps on campus and showed passersby images of a person of interest. The suspect remained at large as of Thursday evening.
Kirk, co-founder and CEO of Turning Point USA, was known for his combative debate style and strong support for Israel. He is survived by his wife and two young children.