UPDATE: At 7:59 p.m. Eastern Time, FBI Director Kash Patel announced that the person of interest in the Charlie Kirk murder investigation had been interrogated and released.
“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 announced in an X post nearly an hour after previously announcing that a suspect was in custody.
The gunman is at-large as of this update.
Original Story:
FBI Director Kash Patel announced in an X post Wednesday evening that the gunman who shot and killed Charlie Kirk during a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University is in custody.
“The subject for the horrific shooting today that took the life of Charlie Kirk is now in custody,” Patel wrote. “Thank you to the local and state authorities in Utah for your partnership with @fbi. We will provide updates when able.”
Police had initially arrested an elderly man dressed in a blue shirt in the immediate aftermath of the shooting. According to eyewitnesses, the man claimed that he carried out the shooting or had knowledge of it.
One witness who claimed to know the man told Fox News that he was mentally ill. That suspect was ultimately released after authorities determined that he had no involvement in the shooting.
Also Read : Charlie Kirk’s wife shared haunting words just before he was killed
Investigators believe that Kirk was killed by a single bullet fired from a rifle at least 200 yards away from the tent from which he was speaking. Videos captured by witnesses showed an individual dressed in all black running across a rooftop overlooking the venue.
A separate video filmed by bystanders shows two people having a concerned discussion over an individual perched on a nearby rooftop, an eerie parallel to the moments leading up to the attempt on President Donald Trump’s life in Pennsylvania last summer.
In its first formal public statement, Kirk’s organization, Turning Point USA, confirmed Kirk’s death and asked for prayers for his young family.
Also Read : Manhunt For Charlie Kirk’s Killer Continues
“It is with a heavy heart that we confirm that Charles James Kirk has been murdered by a gunshot that took place during Turning Point USA’s ‘The American Comeback Tour’ campus event at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025,” TPUSA wrote. “May he be received into the merciful arms of our loving savior, who suffered and died for Charlie. We ask that everyone keep his family and loved ones in your prayers. We ask that you please respect their privacy and dignity at this time.”
The identify of the suspect currently in custody has not been released as of this report. Footage indicates that the gunman appeared to be dressed in all black and opened fire from a rooftop overlooking the event venue.
This is a developing story.
