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.
Crime
Venezuelan national Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis shot in the leg by an immigration agent in Minneapolis
On January 14, 2025, federal law enforcement personnel were engaged in a targeted enforcement operation involving Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, a Venezuelan national who has been present in the United States since 2022.
The operation escalated into a high-speed pursuit, a physical confrontation, and an ambush by multiple subjects, necessitating the use of a defensive firearm discharge by a federal agent.
At approximately 6:50 PM, federal officers initiated a targeted traffic stop of a vehicle operated by Sosa-Celis.
The subject refused to comply with law enforcement commands and attempted to flee the scene.
During the pursuit, the subject’s vehicle collided with a stationary, parked car.
Following the collision, the subject abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene on foot.
A federal agent pursued the suspect on foot and successfully intercepted him. As the agent attempted to effect an arrest, the subject became combative, resulting in a violent struggle on the ground.
During this confrontation, two additional male subjects emerged from a nearby residence to intervene.
These individuals reportedly ambushed the agent, utilizing a snow shovel and a broom handle to strike the officer.
The situation escalated when the primary suspect, Sosa-Celis, regained his footing and joined the two additional subjects in the assault.
Reports indicate the suspect struck the agent with a blunt object (identified as either the shovel or broom handle).
Citing an immediate threat to his life while being outnumbered and actively assaulted by three individuals, the agent discharged his service weapon in self-defense.
The discharge struck Sosa-Celis in the lower extremity (leg). Following the shot, all three suspects retreated into a nearby apartment complex and initiated a barricade situation.
Following a brief standoff, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) successfully secured the perimeter and apprehended all three individuals without further injury.
Both the federal agent and Sosa-Celis were transported to a local medical facility for treatment.
Images from the scene showed Sosa-Celis conscious and alert during transport.
All three subjects involved in the assault are currently in the custody of ICE.
Further charges related to the assault on a federal officer and resisting arrest are pending review by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.