Crime
Charlie Kirk has died, shooting suspect still at large
OREM, Utah — Utah House Speaker Mike Schultz has confirmed that Charlie Kirk, founder of the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA, has died following a shooting at Utah Valley University on Wednesday.
The incident unfolded during a speaking engagement on campus, where a single round was fired, striking Kirk as he addressed attendees.
Emergency responders rushed to provide aid before transporting him to a nearby hospital, but he later succumbed to his injuries.
Initial reports regarding the suspect’s status created confusion. Utah Valley University spokesperson Scott Trotter clarified late Wednesday that no suspect is currently in custody, despite earlier announcements.
“We can confirm that Mr. Kirk was shot, but we don’t know his condition. The suspect is not in custody. Police are still investigating. Campus is closed for the rest of the day,” Trotter initially stated before confirmation of Kirk’s death was made public.
Authorities initially detained an older man, identified as George Hodgson Zin of Payson, Utah, after videos circulated online showing him being handcuffed.
However, officials later confirmed that Zin was not responsible for the shooting and has since been cleared of involvement.
As of now, police have not released the name of the actual shooter or provided a motive for the attack.
Investigators from local law enforcement, with federal assistance, are reviewing surveillance footage, conducting witness interviews, and processing evidence from the scene.
The incident sent shockwaves through the university community and across the nation. Videos shared online captured the chaos as students and attendees rushed for safety, while law enforcement and campus security flooded the scene.
The shooting has already drawn widespread national reaction. Utah Senator Mike Lee wrote on social media: “I am tracking the situation at Utah Valley University closely. Please join me in praying for Charlie Kirk and the students gathered there.”
Vice President JD Vance also posted a statement on X: “Say a prayer for Charlie Kirk, a genuinely good guy and a young father.”
University officials confirmed that the campus will remain closed until further notice as the investigation continues. Authorities emphasized that there is no indication of an ongoing threat to the public.
Kirk, 30, was a nationally known conservative commentator and activist, widely recognized for founding Turning Point USA, a youth organization promoting conservative values on college campuses across the United States.
Further details, including information about the suspect and the ongoing investigation, are expected to be released in the coming days.
City of Hammond, Louisiana — At approximately 11:50 p.m. on February 24, 2026, officers with the Hammond Police Department responded to a report of shots fired involving one possible victim.
Upon arrival, officers located a 14-year-old juvenile female, identified as Tyronai Reed, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.
Emergency medical assistance was rendered at the scene, and she was transported to North Oaks Health System for treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Reed later succumbed to her injuries.
Detectives assigned to the department’s Criminal Investigations Division launched an immediate homicide investigation.
During the course of their investigation, authorities identified 18-year-old Demontez Treyvon “Trey” Robinson of Hammond as a suspect in the shooting.
While actively working the case, officers observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed and conducted a traffic stop.
Robinson was identified as the driver of the vehicle and was taken into custody without incident.
Robinson was transported to the Criminal Investigations Division for questioning. According to investigators, Robinson admitted that the firearm discharged while he was handling or “playing with” it, resulting in the single round striking the 14-year-old victim.
Robinson was subsequently booked into the Hammond City Jail on one count of Negligent Homicide.
Authorities emphasize that the investigation remains in its early stages and additional details may be released as they become available.
Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Corey Morse with the Hammond Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 985-277-5758 or via email at morse_cm@hammond.org. Tips may also be submitted through the department’s official Facebook page or anonymously through Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa at 1-800-554-5245.
Individuals providing information may be eligible for a cash reward. Authorities urge members of the community to assist in the ongoing investigation.