Person of Interest in Charlie Kirk Shooting Released, FBI Continues Investigation

A person of interest initially taken into custody in connection with the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University has been released after interrogation, according to FBI Director Kash Patel. Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA and a close ally of President Donald Trump, was shot while speaking at an outdoor event, with the suspected shooter reportedly firing from a nearby building. Utah Governor Spencer Cox described the killing as a political assassination and confirmed no others are believed to be involved. The shooting has prompted bipartisan condemnation, with leaders emphasizing the need to address political violence in the U.S. Kirk’s death has deeply impacted conservative circles, with President Trump ordering flags to be flown at half-mast and praising Kirk’s influence on youth. Utah Valley University, the site of the shooting, is the state’s largest public university and remains closed following the incident as investigations continue.