Crime
Drone Footage Reveals Crime Scene Layout in Charlie Kirk Assassination at Utah Valley University
Orem, Utah — Newly released drone footage has provided a clearer overhead view of the crime scene at Utah Valley University (UVU), where conservative political commentator Charlie Kirk was assassinated during a student-sponsored event on Wednesday.
The aerial imagery offers a breakdown of key details, including:
The location of Kirk’s speaking tent in the university’s outdoor quad.
The suspected shooter’s position on the roof of UVU’s Losee Center.
The escape route reportedly used by the gunman following the attack.
Crime scene tape and evidence markers are visibly placed on the Losee Center rooftop, which investigators believe was the firing position.
Authorities have confirmed that a single round was discharged from this elevated vantage point, fatally striking Kirk as he addressed an audience of nearly 3,000 attendees.
At approximately 12:20 p.m. MST, Kirk was shot mid-speech.
Emergency responders immediately administered aid before transporting him to Timpanogos Regional Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
The attack, now classified as a targeted assassination, remains under active investigation.
The case is being jointly led by the Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), working alongside the Utah County Attorney’s Office, the Utah County Sheriff’s Office, and local law enforcement agencies.
George Hodgson Zinn was initially detained but has since been released. He faces obstruction charges filed by UVU Police for unrelated conduct.
A second individual, Zachariah Qureshi, was questioned and later released. Neither man is believed to be connected to the shooting.
A manhunt is underway for the actual shooter, who remains at large.
The FBI has established a dedicated digital media tip line at fbi.gov/UtahValleyShooting.
Authorities are urging anyone with video, photos, or relevant information to submit material directly through this portal.
The State Crime Lab is processing multiple active crime scenes, including the quad area where Kirk was shot and the rooftop site identified as the shooter’s vantage point.
Investigators believe the gunman acted with clear intent, firing downward into the public event. Additional details are being withheld to protect the integrity of the investigation.
Event security included six UVU police officers and Kirk’s personal security team. Despite these measures, the rooftop vantage point provided the assailant an opportunity to target the gathering.
This incident has devastated the UVU community and sparked national concern.
University officials confirmed that the campus will remain closed for the rest of the week to allow investigative teams full access to the scene.
In a statement, officials urged calm and encouraged community members affected by the tragedy to utilize mental health resources.
Individuals in need of immediate support are urged to call 988, Utah’s mental health crisis line.
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.