Person of Interest in Charlie Kirk Shooting Released from Detention
UPDATE — 9/10/25 at 8:18 p.m. ET: The individual of interest apprehended in relation to the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk has been released.
“The individual in custody has been released following an interrogation by law enforcement,” FBI Director Kash Patel stated via X on Wednesday, September 10. “Our investigation is ongoing, and we will continue to provide information in the interest of transparency.”
Original story below:
A “person of interest” connected to the deadly shooting of right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk is now in custody.
“The subject responsible for the horrific shooting today that claimed 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 cooperation with @fbi.”
Utah Governor Spencer Cox also confirmed a suspect was in custody during a press briefing after what he described as a “political assassination.”
“We have a person of interest in custody who is currently being interrogated,” Cox stated.
CNN reported on Wednesday that authorities are seeking anyone with information related to this tragic incident.
Kirk passed away on Wednesday after being shot during an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. The Turning Point USA co-founder was 31 years old.
“It is with great sadness that we, the Turning Point USA leadership team, announce that Charlie has gone to his eternal reward with Jesus Christ in Heaven,” stated Turning Point.
Kirk was on the college campus as part of his American Comeback Tour. Footage shared via social media indicated that he was shot in the neck while addressing an audience under a tent in the university courtyard. Reports suggest the shot was fired from nearly 200 yards away.
An individual was initially taken into custody shortly after the shooting, though that person was not believed to be the primary suspect, according to multiple reports. Officials who spoke during the press conference mentioned that individual was booked on an obstruction of justice charge.
Kirk is survived by his wife, Erika Frantzve, and their two children.
In 2012, Kirk established Turning Point USA at the age of 18. Following the organization’s founding, he emerged as a significant voice in conservative media, also hosting his own podcast, titled “The Charlie Kirk Show.”
Kirk collaborated with President Donald Trump to support his re-election efforts. Trump issued a statement on Wednesday following the political influencer’s passing.
“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 I extend our sympathies to his beautiful wife Erika and family. Charlie, we love you!”
In addition to political figures, several celebrities have paid tribute to Kirk, including Chris Pratt, Candace Cameron Bure, and more.
“We love you, Charlie,” the Full House actress posted via Instagram. “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
