Crime
UPDATE: George Hodgson Zin is not the suspect, Charlie Kirk shooting person of interest in custody
OREM, Utah — Questions continue to circulate about the role of George Hodgson Zinn, who was briefly detained in connection with the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University.
Utah House Speaker Mike Schultz confirmed Wednesday night that Kirk, 30, founder of the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA, died after being shot while delivering remarks during a campus speaking engagement.
While Zinn was identified on social media as a possible suspect, others have defended him, noting that although he has a reputation locally as a troublemaker, he was reportedly standing near police officers at the time of the shooting. Witnesses reported that the actual shooter appeared to have been positioned roughly 200 meters away from the venue.
Authorities confirmed that Zinn was taken into custody after video footage showed him being handcuffed at the scene.
However, officials have since clarified that he was not involved in the shooting and has been cleared of suspicion. He remains categorized as a “person of interest” while investigators verify all accounts.
Law enforcement sources also disclosed that, shortly before the attack, an unidentified individual was seen on a rooftop near the building.
Authorities are working to determine whether that sighting is linked to the gunfire.
The FBI has stated that the suspected shooter is in custody, though no official identification or motive has yet been released.
The incident initially generated confusion. Utah Valley University spokesperson Scott Trotter stated earlier in the day 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.” That preliminary announcement came before Kirk’s death was confirmed publicly.
The shooting caused panic across the campus community. Viral videos captured the immediate aftermath, showing attendees rushing for safety as police and campus security converged on the area.
The attack has prompted strong national reactions. 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 shared, “Say a prayer for Charlie Kirk, a genuinely good guy and a young father.”
University officials announced the campus will remain closed until further notice as the investigation continues. Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant but emphasized that there is no evidence of an ongoing threat.
Charlie Kirk was a nationally recognized conservative commentator and activist, best known for founding Turning Point USA, a student organization advocating for conservative values on college campuses nationwide.
Officials say additional details, including the identity of the shooter and findings from the ongoing investigation, will 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.