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.
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.