Crime
Unidentified Person Seen on Rooftop Before Charlie Kirk Shooting at Utah Valley University, Suspect Remains 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 occurred during a speaking engagement on campus, where a single round was fired, striking Kirk as he addressed attendees.
Emergency personnel provided immediate aid before transporting him to a nearby hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Law enforcement sources revealed that, shortly before the gunfire, an unidentified individual was spotted on a rooftop near the venue.
Authorities are investigating whether that person is connected to the shooting.
As of now, the suspect remains at large.
Confusion initially surrounded the case. Utah Valley University spokesperson Scott Trotter clarified late Wednesday that earlier reports of an arrest were incorrect.
“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 in a preliminary statement, issued prior to confirmation of Kirk’s death.
At one point, authorities detained an older man, identified as George Hodgson Zin, after video showed him being handcuffed.
However, officials later confirmed he was not involved in the attack and has since been cleared.
Investigators have not yet released the identity of the actual shooter or a possible motive.
Local and federal agencies are working together to analyze surveillance footage, interview witnesses, and review evidence from the scene, including reports of the rooftop sighting.
The attack triggered widespread panic across the university.
Viral video clips captured the chaotic aftermath, with attendees scrambling for safety as campus security and police responded in force.
The shooting has drawn significant national attention. Utah Senator Mike Lee posted 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 issued a statement on X: “Say a prayer for Charlie Kirk, a genuinely good guy and a young father.”
University officials have announced that the campus will remain closed until further notice while the investigation continues.
Law enforcement has urged the public to remain vigilant but emphasized that, at present, there is no indication of an ongoing immediate threat.
Charlie Kirk, 30, was widely known as a conservative commentator and activist, most recognized for founding Turning Point USA, an organization dedicated to promoting conservative values among young Americans on college campuses nationwide.
Authorities have stated that additional information regarding the suspect and the ongoing investigation will be released in the coming days.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. — Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.