Crime
Zachariah Qureshi detained as a suspect in Charlie Kirk shooting, later released
Orem, Utah — At approximately 12:20 p.m. MST on Wednesday, political commentator and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk was speaking at a student-sponsored event at Utah Valley University (UVU) when he was shot.
Emergency responders immediately rendered aid, and Kirk was transported to Timpanogos Regional Hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.
This remains an active and ongoing investigation.
The Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) are co-leading the case in close coordination with the Utah County Attorney’s Office, the Utah County Sheriff’s Office, and local law enforcement partners.
George Hodgson Zinn was initially detained as a suspect but has since been released. He has been charged with obstruction by UVU Police for unrelated conduct.
A second individual, Zachariah Qureshi, was taken into custody and later released following extensive questioning. Authorities have confirmed there are currently no ties between either of these individuals and the shooting.
The shooter remains at large, and investigators continue to pursue active leads.
The FBI has established a digital media tip line at fbi.gov/UtahValleyShooting. Members of the public with photos, videos, or any relevant information are urged to submit materials directly through this portal to assist investigators.
The State Crime Lab and federal partners are processing multiple active crime scenes. These include both the location where Kirk was shot and other sites linked to the movement of the suspect and victim.
Preliminary findings indicate that the incident was a targeted attack. Authorities believe the shooter fired from the roof of a nearby campus building, directing gunfire toward the public event taking place in the student courtyard. Additional details are being withheld to protect the integrity of the investigation.
To secure the event, UVU Police Department deployed six officers in addition to Mr. Kirk’s private security team. Attendance at the event is estimated at approximately 3,000 individuals. The gathering was held in the university quad, an outdoor bowl-style courtyard commonly used for student events.
The UVU campus will remain closed for the rest of the week out of an abundance of caution and to allow law enforcement continued access to the investigation sites. Students, faculty, and staff seeking updated information should visit uvu.info.
This is a tragic moment for Utah and the nation. We extend our deepest condolences to the family of Charlie Kirk, as well as to the UVU community and all who were impacted.
For those experiencing emotional distress, the state urges individuals to call 988, Utah’s mental health crisis line, for immediate support.
Further information will be released as soon as it is available.
Crime
Noemi Hernandez, Mother of Four Murdered By Her Husband Hector Luvianos Two Days Before Christmas
BATAVIA, Ill. — A devastating domestic homicide has left a family and community in mourning just days before Christmas.
Noemi Hernandez, a devoted mother of four, was fatally attacked in the early morning hours of Tuesday, Dec. 23, in what prosecutors allege was a violent act committed by her husband.
The incident occurred at an apartment building in the 100 block of Church Street in Batavia.
According to court records and police reports, at approximately 4:37 a.m., Batavia police were dispatched after a man contacted emergency dispatchers and stated that he had killed his wife.
Responding officers located the man outside the apartment building and took him into custody without incident.
When officers entered the apartment, they found Hernandez suffering from severe, life-threatening injuries.
First responders immediately attempted life-saving measures; however, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities identified the suspect as Hector B. Luvianos, 37, who was transported to the Batavia Police Department for questioning.
With assistance from the Kane County Major Crimes Task Force, investigators determined the incident was domestic-related and involved only the two individuals. Police emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
On Dec. 24, 2025, Kane County State’s Attorney Jamie L. Mosser and Batavia Police Chief Eric Blowers announced that Luvianos has been formally charged with first-degree murder, a Class M felony under Illinois law.
He appeared in court the same day for a pretrial detention hearing, after which a judge ordered him held in the Kane County Jail while the case proceeds.
The Kane County Coroner’s Office responded to the scene, and an autopsy is scheduled to determine the official cause and manner of Hernandez’s death.
In the wake of the tragedy, Hernandez’s family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral and related expenses.
In the fundraiser, the family described Noemi as “the heart of her family,” noting that she worked tirelessly, loved deeply, and always placed her children first. Her sudden death, they wrote, has left the family emotionally devastated and financially unprepared.
As an immigrant family with limited resources and no life insurance, they now face the burden of funeral and cremation costs, legal fees, and other unexpected expenses, all while supporting four children grieving the loss of their mother.
The family is asking for community support to allow them to lay Noemi to rest with dignity and focus on healing rather than financial hardship.
The investigation remains ongoing.