NEED TO KNOW
- The Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS) have confirmed that a manhunt for the person responsible for shooting right-wing political commentator Carlie Kirk is “ongoing”
- Kirk, 31, was speaking at an event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, Sept. 10 when he was fatally shot in what the DPS have called a “targeted attack”
- Two suspects were initially taken into custody but have subsequently been released and the investigation continues
A manhunt is ongoing after right-wing political commentator Charlie Kirk was fatally shot at age 31 during a campus event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, Sept. 10, authorities have confirmed.
Kirk was speaking at a student-sponsored event with his non-profit organization Turning Point USA at around 12:20 p.m. local time before shots were fired. He was taken to Timpanogos Regional Hospital before being pronounced dead hours later, per a Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS) news release.
“This shooting is still an active investigation. The Utah Department of Public Safety and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) are co-leading this incident in unison with the Utah County Attorney’s office, the Utah County Sheriff’s office, and the local police departments,” the DPS said.
The release stated that one person had been taken into custody as a suspect, before later being released and charged with obstruction by UVU (Utah Valley University) police. A second suspect was also taken into custody and released after interrogation with law enforcement, DPS said.
“There are no current ties to the shooting with either of these individuals. There is an ongoing investigation and manhunt for the shooter,” the release noted.
Kirk had been manning his signature “Prove Me Wrong” table as part of his American Comeback Tour at the Orem, Utah, campus when he was shot.
DPS confirmed that its State Crime Lab, along with law enforcement, was working on multiple active crime scenes following the incident.
“These were identified based on where the victim was shot, as well as the locations where the suspect and victim travelled,” the release noted.
DPS added, “The shooting is believed to be a targeted attack. The shooter is believed to have fired from the roof of a building down to the location of the public event in the student courtyard. Any additional clarifications cannot be provided to protect the integrity of our investigation.”
“This is a tragic moment for Utah and our country,” the release said.
As previously reported by PEOPLE, the person of interest whom authorities believe killed Kirk was described in law enforcement dispatch audio as wearing all-black clothing and tactical gear.
The audio, which was reviewed by PEOPLE, described a person in all-black — carrying a black long gun, wearing a black tactical helmet and mask, and possibly a tactical vest and jeans.
Other transmissions mentioned aviator-style glasses, a black bag, black long pants and longer hair.
A university spokesperson said the fatal round was fired from the school’s Losee Center, roughly 200 yards from where Kirk was speaking, about twenty minutes after Kirk’s event began. Utah Gov. Spencer Cox described the incident as a “political assassination” at a press conference on Wednesday.
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The school has since confirmed that all classes — whether in-person or virtual — campus events, and administrative operations would be suspended during this time, per a university update on its emergency information page.
“On behalf of Utah Valley University, we are shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Charlie Kirk, a guest to our campus,” a message added. “Our hearts go out to his family. As we grieve with our students, faculty, and staff who bore witness to this unspeakable tragedy, UVU campuses will be closed from September 11-14.”
“This unspeakable attack is disturbing and frightening. University of Utah leaders are closely monitoring the situation,” UVU added in a separate post on Facebook.
Kirk is survived by his wife, former Miss Arizona USA Erika Frantzve, and their two children, a 3-year-old daughter and a 1-year-old son.
The Utah DPS didn’t immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for additional information.
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