UPDATE: FBI Director Kash Patel shared that a second suspect in the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk has been released from custody.
“The subject in custody has been released after an interrogation by law enforcement,” Patel said on X. “Our investigation continues and we will continue to release information in interest of transparency.”
At least two people have been taken into custody and released after questioning in the shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The 31-year-old was killed while hosting an event at Utah Valley University in Orem.
Original story continues below.
Authorities are going “building to building” at Utah Valley University, searching for the person who fatally shot conservative activist Charlie Kirk and escorting students away from the campus.
The Turning Point USA founder was killed during an on-campus event on Wednesday. An initial statement from the university indicated that a suspect was in custody. A university spokesperson told the New York Times that police had released that person after determining they were not the shooter. Later statements asked students to wait for police escorts to leave the campus.
“UVU campus is closed. Classes cancelled. Those on campus, secure in place until police officers can escort you safely off campus,” the university shared on X. “Police are currently going building to building escorting people off campus. Roads to campus are currently closed.”
The commentator’s death encouraged condolences for his family and recriminations against political violence from both sides of the aisle.
“There is no place in our country for this kind of violence. It must end now,” Former President Joe Biden wrote on X. “Jill and I are praying for Charlie Kirk’s family and loved ones.”
In a statement, Republican National Committee Chairman Joe Gruters celebrated Kirk as a “father, husband, and dedicated patriot” before calling on Republicans and Democrats to condemn “this brutality that has no place in America.”
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New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani echoed Biden’s thoughts on violence, saying he was “horrified” by the news. President Donald Trump ordered American flags to be flown at half-mast through the weekend in Kirk’s honor.
“He was loved and admired by all,” Trump wrote in a post to Truth Social.
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