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.
Crime
Angela Johnson and Her Son DeAngelo Johnson Killed After Shooting Inside Home in Chicago, Mother’s Boyfriend in Custody
CHICAGO — A 47-year-old mother and her 27-year-old son were fatally shot inside a residence in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood on the West Side late Thursday night, September 24, 2026, according to Chicago police.
The victims were identified as Angela Johnson, 47, and DeAngelo Johnson, 27. Police said a suspect, identified as Angela Johnson’s boyfriend, was taken into custody following the shooting.
The deadly shooting happened in the 800 block of North Parkside Avenue at approximately 10:43 p.m. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots coming from the basement of the residence and called 911.
When Chicago police officers arrived, they found the two victims suffering from gunshot wounds.
Angela Johnson was found in the basement with a gunshot wound to her chest. Police-radio traffic indicated she had been shot on the right side of her chest.
DeAngelo Johnson was found on the first floor with multiple gunshot wounds. Radio traffic indicated that he had suffered two gunshot wounds to his back.
Both victims were initially unresponsive and in critical condition. Emergency personnel performed CPR on DeAngelo Johnson before both victims were transported to Mount Sinai Hospital, where they were pronounced dead.
According to police-radio traffic, one victim was pronounced dead at approximately 11:18 p.m., while the male victim was pronounced dead around 11:21 p.m.
Investigators found extensive evidence inside the residence, including approximately 23 shell casings in a basement bedroom. Additional shell casings were reportedly recovered in other areas of the basement, including the stairway, main room and bedroom.
Officers initially recovered a firearm and shell casings from the basement bedroom. Police later located a second firearm inside the home, bringing the total number of recovered firearms to two.
Authorities have not publicly stated who owned the firearms or confirmed which weapon, if either, was used in the fatal shooting.
Police also reported that DeAngelo Johnson was wearing an empty holster when officers found him on the first floor. That discovery prompted an officer-safety alert as officers searched the residence for the missing firearm.
Chicago police said the shooting appeared to be domestic-related and identified the alleged offender as the mother’s boyfriend.
Radio traffic indicated that a person had been detained by approximately 11:26 p.m. The official police report later confirmed that the known offender was taken into custody.
Two witnesses were reportedly available to identify the alleged offender, and officers conducted a show-up identification procedure near the scene.
Police have not released additional information about potential charges against the suspect.
The investigation into the Chicago Austin neighborhood double shooting remains ongoing. Detectives are continuing to examine the circumstances that led to the shooting, the relationship between the people involved and the role of the two recovered firearms.
The deaths of Angela Johnson and DeAngelo Johnson are being investigated as a double homicide.