Turning Point USA Co-Founder Charlie Kirk Dies, Shot and Killed at Utah Valley University in Orem While at Public Speaking Event

Charlie Kirk, a conservative commentator and organizer, was shot and killed at an event at Utah Valley University (LiveNOW from FOX). YouTube Tips ⓘ

UPDATE FROM FBI DIRECTOR KASH PATEL 5:59 PM MDT …

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 https://t.co/YXsG6YpFR5

— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) September 10, 2025

PRESS CONFERENCE 4:40 PM UPDATE …

The subject for the Charlie Kirk is shooting is in custody (according to FBI’s Kash Patel).

Authorities at 4:40 PM did not disclose that a person was in custody, but then admitted that a “Person of Interest” was in custody after a reporter at the press conference referenced the X post from FBI Director Kash Patel.

Authorities indicated that George Zinn, who was arrested earlier in the afternoon, is not the “Person of Interest” that is in custody, connected to the shooting investigation. However, George Zinn was booked in Utah County Jail for Obstruction of Justice.

Authorities did not release whether a gun was found as evidence.

Authorities indicated that the shooter may have fired the shot from the roof of a building.

Authorities do not believe a second person is involved.

The subject for the horrific shooting today that took the life of Charlie Kirk is now in custody. Thank you to the local and state authorities in Utah for your partnership with @fbi.
We will provide updates when able.

— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) September 10, 2025

Charlie Kirk (October 14, 1993 – September 10, 2025) was speaking at an event at Utah Valley University about mass shooting involving trans offenders when he was shot about 12:20 p.m. MDT, Wednesday, September 10, 2025. At about 2:45 p.m. President Donald J. Trump announced that Charlie Kirk has died.

Initial reports indicate Charlie Kirk was shot in the neck during a Question and Answer session with students. Two videos, shared online, shows Charlie Kirk hit in the left side of his neck after a shot rang out.

Initially reports indicated a suspect was in custody. According to Utah Valley University, the suspect is not in custody as of 2:30 p.m. MDT). No information was provided by the Orem Police Department as of 4:00 p.m. MDT, and no alerts or updates were provided on the Orem Police Department Facebook page.

Male adult in custody was saying he had the right to remain silent immediately after the shooting of Charlie Kirk in Orem, Utah. However, the initial male adult in custody, George Zinn, was booked in county jail and charged with Obstruction of Justice. George Zinn, 65, was arrested for investigation of disorderly conduct and failure to disperse at a protest in July 2019. Utah Valley University indicated NO SUSPECT IN CUSTODY as of about 3:00 p.m. MDT, but the police and federal authorities were silent until about 4:40 p.m. MDT …

An early report indicates he was struck from a distance by a shot from a high-powered rifle while he was answering a question about a trans topic.

Former Utah Congressman Jason Chaffetz was at the location when Charlie Kirk was hit. He said there were no security checkpoints at the event, and described seeing Charlie Kirk fall back. Chaffetz also described that even though the shot could have been fired from a building a good distance away, he felt the shot was fired closer up.

[PHOTO REMOVED]
Male adult in custody, arrested while while saying he had the right to remain silent in Orem, Utah, which caused initial reports that the shooter was in custody. The male adult was actually arrested for Obstruction of Justice, and booked in county jail (VIDEO FRAME/SOURCE: Justin Hicken/@justin_hicken).[/caption]

Video comment from David J. Harris …

Charlie Kirk, who was raised in Arlington Heights and Prospect Heights, was an American right-wing political activist, author and media personality. Charlie Kirk co-founded Turning Point USA (TPUSA) with Bill Montgomery in 2012. Kirk serves as executive director. Charlie Kirk graduated from Wheeling High School, and attended Harper College.

DEVELOPING …

The information in this article is an early report published before any summary information was confirmed or released by police or fire authorities.

See also …
George Zinn, arrested after Charlie Kirk shooting, is widely known Utah political ‘gadfly’ | The Salt Lake Tribune

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