FBI Director Kash Patel announced Wednesday night that a person of interest initially taken into custody in connection with Charlie Kirk’s assassination has been released following questioning.
“The subject in custody has been released following an interrogation by law enforcement,” Patel stated via his official @FBIDirectorKash account.
The investigation remains active, and the individual responsible for Kirk’s death is still on the run.
At least one other person was reportedly detained and later released. No names or identifying details have been disclosed.
Earlier in the day, Patel had confirmed that “the subject” responsible for the fatal shooting was in custody. That claim has since been walked back.
The Wall Street Journal continues:
Kirk, 31, was one of the most influential figures on the right and founder and CEO of Turning Point USA, a powerful conservative youth organization active in over 3,500 college campuses. Kirk hosted a popular podcast and was known for hosting “Prove Me Wrong” debates on college campuses. He also played a prominent role in Trump’s outreach to young voters during the 2024 election.
Leaders from both parties decried the shooting. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he was “heartbroken and outraged,” while former President Barack Obama said, “This kind of despicable violence has no place in our democracy.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson called for a moment of silence on the chamber floor, which quickly turned into a shouting match about whether the observance was too little or too much.
Officials at Utah Valley University, along with initial media reports, had also suggested a suspect was detained. That, too, was corrected. Authorities now confirm the person in question was not the shooter.
A manhunt is still underway.
Agencies Involved in the Investigation:
- FBI
- Utah Department of Public Safety
- Utah County Attorney’s Office
- Utah County Sheriff’s Office
- Local police departments
Law enforcement has yet to identify the shooter publicly. However, eyewitness reports and online video appear to show a masked figure wearing dark clothing and positioned on the rooftop of a nearby building shortly before the assassination.
This remains a developing story.
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May I throw the switch when it’s time?
Prayers for a great leader of our youth, a God fearing man of God!
Another failure by law enforcement and security personnel to secure the surrounding buildings and prevent an assisanation of a conservative leader.