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.
CHICAGO, IL (Cook County) — Chicago police and emergency crews responded to an officer-involved shooting following a chaotic pursuit involving a stolen ambulance from Loretto Hospital.
According to preliminary reports, officers were dispatched to the intersection of West Chicago Avenue and North Cicero Avenue after a suspect allegedly stole an ambulance from the hospital premises.
During the ensuing pursuit, the suspect reportedly struck multiple police officers with the vehicle, prompting officers to discharge their weapons.
The suspect was subsequently taken into custody at the scene.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) have been requested for two injured officers, who were transported to a nearby medical facility for treatment.
Their conditions have not yet been released.
Authorities have secured the area, and multiple law enforcement units remain on scene as the investigation continues.
The Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) has been notified and will review the incident in accordance with department policy.