Crime
Charlie Kirk has died, shooting suspect still 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 unfolded during a speaking engagement on campus, where a single round was fired, striking Kirk as he addressed attendees.
Emergency responders rushed to provide aid before transporting him to a nearby hospital, but he later succumbed to his injuries.
Initial reports regarding the suspect’s status created confusion. Utah Valley University spokesperson Scott Trotter clarified late Wednesday that no suspect is currently in custody, despite earlier announcements.
“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 initially stated before confirmation of Kirk’s death was made public.
Authorities initially detained an older man, identified as George Hodgson Zin of Payson, Utah, after videos circulated online showing him being handcuffed.
However, officials later confirmed that Zin was not responsible for the shooting and has since been cleared of involvement.
As of now, police have not released the name of the actual shooter or provided a motive for the attack.
Investigators from local law enforcement, with federal assistance, are reviewing surveillance footage, conducting witness interviews, and processing evidence from the scene.
The incident sent shockwaves through the university community and across the nation. Videos shared online captured the chaos as students and attendees rushed for safety, while law enforcement and campus security flooded the scene.
The shooting has already drawn widespread national reaction. Utah Senator Mike Lee wrote 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 posted a statement on X: “Say a prayer for Charlie Kirk, a genuinely good guy and a young father.”
University officials confirmed that the campus will remain closed until further notice as the investigation continues. Authorities emphasized that there is no indication of an ongoing threat to the public.
Kirk, 30, was a nationally known conservative commentator and activist, widely recognized for founding Turning Point USA, a youth organization promoting conservative values on college campuses across the United States.
Further details, including information about the suspect and the ongoing investigation, are expected to be released in the coming days.
Crime
Former Texas Worship Minister and Christian Musician Jon Sheptock Arrested on Child Sexual Abuse Material Charges
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas — A married Christian musician and former worship minister who once performed at a rally for former President Donald Trump has been arrested on multiple child sexual abuse material (CSAM) charges, authorities confirmed.
According to officials, Jon Sheptock, a former minister at First Montgomery Baptist Church, was taken into custody on September 26 by detectives from the Montgomery County Constable’s Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Unit.
He faces charges of possession and production of child pornography following a detailed investigation into allegations of long-term misconduct.
The arrest was based on testimony from a woman who alleged that Sheptock stole a photograph of her approximately nine years ago, when she was 17 years old.
The victim told investigators that after sending her the image, Sheptock demanded explicit photographs and later sent her a video depicting a violent assault, warning that he “did not want that to happen to her.”
Court records further indicate that Sheptock showed the victim nude images of both adults and minors on his computer.
Investigators allege that the misconduct continued as recently as October 2023, when Sheptock reportedly sent a text message to the victim containing a nude image of young girls.
Before his arrest, Sheptock was widely known as a Christian recording artist and motivational speaker.
His now-deleted website biography stated that he was born without arms and with one leg shorter than the other, yet went on to describe himself as a “thriving Christian recording artist and speaker.” He has been married for 26 years and is the father of three daughters.
In a public statement, First Montgomery Baptist Church confirmed that Sheptock was immediately removed from all ministry responsibilities following his arrest.
The church emphasized that Sheptock did not hold any position involving direct contact with children, and there is no indication that minors associated with the church were involved or affected.
Sheptock gained wider public attention in January 2022, when he performed the national anthem at a rally for then-President Donald Trump, according to The Independent.
If convicted, Sheptock faces a potential prison sentence ranging from two to twenty years.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are encouraging anyone with additional information to contact the Montgomery County Constable’s Office Human Traffic.