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.
CHICAGO, IL — A man was found shot to death Friday night on Chicago’s South Side, prompting a homicide investigation by Area One detectives, according to the Chicago Police Department.
Officers responded to reports of gunfire in the 900 block of West 63rd Parkway in the Englewood neighborhood at approximately 10:00 p.m.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a 36-year-old male victim suffering from gunshot wounds to the head and neck.
Emergency medical personnel were called to the scene, but the victim was pronounced dead on arrival.
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office later identified him as Emerald Pretty, age 36.
According to preliminary information, a male suspect exited a white sedan, approached the victim, and opened fire before fleeing the scene in the same vehicle.
No arrests have been made at this time, and Area One detectives are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Authorities have not released details on a possible motive or whether the incident may have been targeted.
Police are urging anyone with information to contact the Chicago Police Department’s Area One Bureau of Detectives or submit an anonymous tip through CPD’s tip line or Crime Stoppers.