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UPDATE — 9/10/25 at 8:18 p.m. ET: The person of interest taken into custody in connection to the deadly shooting of Charlie Kirk has been released.
“The subject in custody has been released after an interrogation by law enforcement,” FBI director Kash Patel wrote via X on Wednesday, September 10. “Our investigation continues and we will continue to release information in interest of transparency.”
Original story below:
A “person of interest” associated with the fatal shooting of right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk is now in custody.
“The subject for the horrific shooting today that took the life of Charlie Kirk is now in custody,” FBI Director Kash Patel wrote via X on Wednesday, September 10. “Thank you to the local and state authorities in Utah for your partnership with @fbi.”
Utah Governor Spencer Cox, also confirmed a suspect was in custody during a press conference following what he described as a “political assassination.”
“We have a person of interest in custody that is being interviewed right now,” Cox said.
CNN reported on Wednesday that authorities are searching for anyone with information related to the tragic event.
Kirk died on Wednesday after being shot during an appearance at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. The Turning Point USA cofounder was 31.
“It’s with a heavy heart that we, the Turning Point USA leadership team, write to notify you that early this afternoon, Charlie went to his eternal reward with Jesus Christ in Heaven,” read a statement from Turning Point.
Kirk was on the college campus as part of his American Comeback Tour. According to footage shared via social media, Kirk appeared to be shot in the neck while speaking under a tent in the university courtyard. According to CNN, the shot was taken from nearly 200 yards away.
An individual was initially taken into custody shortly after the shooting, but that person was not believed to be the suspect, per multiple reports. According to officials who spoke during the same press conference, that individual was, however, booked on an obstruction of justice charge.
Kirk is survived by his wife, Erika Frantzve, and their two children.
In 2012, Kirk founded Turning Point USA when he was 18 years old. Following the organization’s creation, Kirk became one of the most influential voices in conservative media. He also hosted his own podcast, titled “The Charlie Kirk Show.”
Kirk worked alongside President Donald Trump to help get him elected to a second term. Trump shared a statement on Wednesday following the political influencer’s death.
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“The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead,” Trump wrote via 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!”
In addition to many political figures reacting to Kirk’s death, several stars have paid tribute, including Chris Pratt, Candace Cameron Bure and more.
“We love you, Charlie,” the Full House actress wrote via Instagram. “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
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