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.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. — Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.