Crime
Charlie Kirk shooting suspect seen running away on the roof
OREM, Utah — Authorities are investigating new reports and video evidence suggesting that Charlie Kirk’s killer was seen fleeing across a rooftop immediately after the shooting at Utah Valley University.
Witnesses also reported spotting an unidentified individual on a nearby rooftop moments before the gunfire erupted.
Suspected shooter of Charlie Kirk taken into custody, FBI says.
The subject for the horrific shooting today that took the life of Charlie Kirk is now in custody.
Utah House Speaker Mike Schultz confirmed late Wednesday that Charlie Kirk, 30, founder of the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA, died from his injuries following the attack.
The shooting occurred during a speaking engagement on campus when a single round was fired, striking Kirk as he addressed the audience.
Emergency responders provided immediate aid before transporting him to a nearby hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Confusion initially surrounded the status of a possible suspect.
Early reports indicated someone was in custody; however, Utah Valley University spokesperson Scott Trotter clarified that no arrest had been made.
“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 said before Kirk’s death was publicly confirmed.
Authorities briefly detained George Hodgson Zin, an older man seen being handcuffed in widely circulated videos, but later confirmed he was not connected to the shooting.
At this stage, investigators have not identified the shooter or disclosed a possible motive. Local law enforcement, in coordination with federal partners, are reviewing surveillance footage, analyzing evidence, and interviewing witnesses.
The incident sent shockwaves through the campus and the nation. Videos shared online captured the chaos as attendees scrambled for safety while law enforcement and campus security converged on the scene.
The shooting has drawn widespread national attention. Utah Senator Mike Lee stated: “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 on X: “Say a prayer for Charlie Kirk, a genuinely good guy and a young father.”
University officials confirmed the campus will remain closed until further notice as the investigation continues.
Authorities stressed that there is currently no evidence of an ongoing threat to the public.
Charlie Kirk was a nationally recognized conservative commentator and activist, best known for founding Turning Point USA, an organization dedicated to promoting conservative values on college campuses across the United States.
Further updates regarding the suspect and the ongoing investigation are expected in the coming days.
SPENCER, OKLAHOMA — Authorities have confirmed that a 17-year-old student was shot and killed Wednesday afternoon following a violent altercation near Star Spencer High School in Spencer, Oklahoma.
According to the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded shortly after an altercation broke out among a group of juveniles near the intersection of Northeast 34th Street and Spencer Road.
During the confrontation, one of the individuals reportedly produced a firearm and opened fire, striking a male teenager.
Emergency personnel transported the victim to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The victim was later identified by Oklahoma City Public Schools officials as 17-year-old Sebastian Guyton, a student at Star Spencer High School.
Following the shooting, law enforcement initiated a search of the area. One suspect was taken into custody after a brief foot pursuit, though authorities have not yet released additional details regarding the individual’s identity or potential charges.
As a precaution, several nearby schools were placed on temporary lockdown while officers secured the area.
Classes at Star Spencer High School have been canceled for the remainder of the week in light of the tragedy.
In a statement released Wednesday, Star Spencer High School officials expressed deep sorrow over the loss of their student:
“Please help keep our Bobcat family and friends in your thoughts during this very difficult time,” the statement read.
The Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the circumstances leading up to the shooting.
Additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available.