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.
Crime
Venezuelan national Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis shot in the leg by an immigration agent in Minneapolis
On January 14, 2025, federal law enforcement personnel were engaged in a targeted enforcement operation involving Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, a Venezuelan national who has been present in the United States since 2022.
The operation escalated into a high-speed pursuit, a physical confrontation, and an ambush by multiple subjects, necessitating the use of a defensive firearm discharge by a federal agent.
At approximately 6:50 PM, federal officers initiated a targeted traffic stop of a vehicle operated by Sosa-Celis.
The subject refused to comply with law enforcement commands and attempted to flee the scene.
During the pursuit, the subject’s vehicle collided with a stationary, parked car.
Following the collision, the subject abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene on foot.
A federal agent pursued the suspect on foot and successfully intercepted him. As the agent attempted to effect an arrest, the subject became combative, resulting in a violent struggle on the ground.
During this confrontation, two additional male subjects emerged from a nearby residence to intervene.
These individuals reportedly ambushed the agent, utilizing a snow shovel and a broom handle to strike the officer.
The situation escalated when the primary suspect, Sosa-Celis, regained his footing and joined the two additional subjects in the assault.
Reports indicate the suspect struck the agent with a blunt object (identified as either the shovel or broom handle).
Citing an immediate threat to his life while being outnumbered and actively assaulted by three individuals, the agent discharged his service weapon in self-defense.
The discharge struck Sosa-Celis in the lower extremity (leg). Following the shot, all three suspects retreated into a nearby apartment complex and initiated a barricade situation.
Following a brief standoff, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) successfully secured the perimeter and apprehended all three individuals without further injury.
Both the federal agent and Sosa-Celis were transported to a local medical facility for treatment.
Images from the scene showed Sosa-Celis conscious and alert during transport.
All three subjects involved in the assault are currently in the custody of ICE.
Further charges related to the assault on a federal officer and resisting arrest are pending review by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.