The investigation into conservative pundit Charlie Kirk’s murder on Wednesday, September 10, is ongoing as the Utah Valley University community, and the entire country, continues to process the day’s tragic events.
Kirk, who was 31, was shot and killed while speaking at an event at the university. Video shared on social media showed a bullet appear to strike the Turning Point USA founder in the neck as he was answering a question from the crowd related to gun violence. The father-of-two was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he died shortly after.
“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, released on Wednesday evening.
President Donald Trump also shared his condolences via TruthSocial while breaking the news to his followers.
Who Was Charlie Kirk? Meet the Late Turning Point USA Founder
“The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead,” Trump, 79, wrote. “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!”
As authorities continue to update the public on the investigation, keep scrolling for everything we know so far about Charlie Kirk’s death.
How Did Charlie Kirk Die?
Kirk was speaking at an event on his American Comeback Tour on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, when a gunman fired a single shot that appeared to strike him in the neck as he sat under a tent emblazoned with the words, “Prove Me Wrong.”
The shooting occurred around 1:20 p.m. local time from approximately 200 yards away, and video shared on social media showed witnesses immediately rushing to his aid. He was taken to a local hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
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Who Did the Police Take Into Custody at the Scene?
Authorities took a man named George Zinn into custody in the immediate aftermath of the shooting. Photos and video shared on social media of Zinn, 71, being restrained by police led many to believe he was the shooter.
However, police soon determined he was not involved in the shooting and he was being taken into custody on suspicion of obstruction of justice. He was later released.
FBI Director Kash Patel and Utah Governor Spencer Cox both said later in the day that another man was in custody, but two hours later, Patel, 45, said the subject was “released after an interrogation by law enforcement.”
Utah Department of Public Safety commissioner Beau Mason urged the public not to harass the two individuals who have been released.
“These individuals were not suspects. They were people of interest,” he said on Thursday. “They don’t deserve that harassment.”
How Has Utah Valley University Responded to the Shooting?
Within minutes of the shooting, Utah Valley cancelled classes for the rest of the day. It has since suspended classes and on-campus activities, both in Orem and on satellite campuses, through September 15.
University leadership also told students and faculty in an open letter posted on Wednesday that information will be forthcoming about additional mental health resources for those impacted by the shooting.
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Are Authorities Still Looking for the Shooter?
Law enforcement announced on Friday, September 12, that it had apprehended 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, whom they suspect to be the shooter.
Robinson’s arrest came the morning after the FBI released photos and video of the suspect, asking the public to help identify him. They added in a press conference on Thursday, September 11, that the alleged gunman is “male” and “appears to be of college age.”
Mason said that investigators have video of the suspect, who arrived on campus at 11:52 a.m. They were able to track his movements to a roof, then recovered video of him jumping off and fleeing after the shooting. Police found and are analyzing a footwear impression, palm print and forearm print that may have been left by the shooter.
How Was Suspected Shooter Tyler Robinson Captured?
President Trump shared during a Fox News appearance on Friday, September 12, that the shooter had been taken into custody after someone “very close to him turned him in.”
Cox said in a press conference that a family member of Robinson reached out to a family friend. That friend told the Washington County Sheriff’s Office that “Robinson had confessed to them or implied that he had committed the incident.”
FBI director Kash Patel said Robinson was arrested around 10 p.m. local time on Thursday night.
What Do We Know About Tyler Robinson?
Robinson is a native of Washington, Utah, who earned a scholarship to Utah State University before dropping out after one semester, according to CNN. He is registered to vote but not affiliated with any political party and is listed as an “inactive” voter.
Cox said that Robinson had brought up the Utah Valley event where Kirk was killed and “they talked about why they didn’t like him and the viewpoints that he had.”
“The family member also stated Kirk was full of hate and spreading hate,” he added.
The Gun Allegedly Used in the Murder Has Been Recovered
FBI special agent Robert Bohls revealed on Thursday that police have recovered a “high-powered, bolt action rifle” from the woods where the suspect fled. They believe this was the gun used in the shooting, and Bohls said the FBI will analyze the weapon.
Charlie Kirk’s Final Words Included Debate on Gun Violence
The FBI Has Released 2 Photos of the Suspect
The FBI released two images of the suspected shooter via social media on Thursday, asking the public for help identifying him. The photos show a man wearing a long-sleeved black shirt with an American flag on it, along with a black cap and sunglasses.
Those with information on the suspect can submit tips by dialing 1-800-CALL-FBI or visiting the FBI’s online tips page.
President Trump Plans to Award Charlie Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom
Trump announced on Thursday that he will posthumously award Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The award has been given by presidents to American citizens since 1945, honoring those who have made an “especially meritorious contribution” to the nation, according to the executive order that created the medal.
“Charlie was a giant of his generation, a champion of liberty, and an inspiration to millions and millions of people,” Trump said. “We miss him greatly, yet I have no doubt that Charlie’s voice and the courage he put into the hearts of countless people, especially young people, will live on.”
When Will Charlie Kirk’s Memorial Be Held?
Turning Point USA announced on Saturday, September 13, that it will hold a memorial — which will be called “Building a Legacy, Remembering Charlie Kirk” — on Sunday, September 21, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The venue, which is the home of the Arizona Cardinal, can hold as many as 73,000 people for large events.
Fox News reported that President Trump is planning to attend the event. Members of the public can also register to attend the memorial on a first come, first save basis.
Doors are scheduled to open at State Farm Stadium at 8 a.m. PT and the service is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m PT.
“His legacy will endure for generations,” Turning Point USA said in a statement. “And now he hears the words of Matthew 25:23 from his Lord and Savior: ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’”
Kirk is survived by his wife, Erika Kirk (née Frantzve), and their two young children.
