Hopes for a quick arrest in the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk dimmed after FBI Director Kash Patel said a person questioned in custody had been released, as authorities in Utah continued a multiagency search and urged the public to avoid sharing unverified claims.
As the investigation into the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk unfolded, optimism for a quick resolution diminished late Wednesday.
FBI Director Kash Patel announced that an individual previously in custody has been released after questioning, indicating that the inquiry is still ongoing. “The individual in custody has been released… our investigation is ongoing,” Patel stated on X.
Kirk, 31, was tragically shot and killed on Wednesday during an outdoor event at Utah Valley University. This incident led to a campus lockdown and initiated a multijurisdictional search for a gunman who is thought to have fired from a nearby rooftop. Utah officials and federal agents have retrieved a rifle along with additional evidence while following up on leads; however, no arrests had been reported by early Thursday.
Authorities reported that two individuals who were taken in for questioning have since been released without any charges being filed. UVU has halted operations until Saturday while investigators examine the scene, and students have gathered to lay flowers and leave messages at makeshift memorials.
Governor Spencer Cox described the shooting as a “political assassination,” a sentiment shared by President Donald Trump as national figures denounced the attack and called for tranquility. Authorities are actively reviewing surveillance footage and gathering witness accounts in their efforts to uncover the identity of the shooter.
Patel’s statement came after a prolonged period of uncertainty and raised questions regarding the choice to provide continuous updates on social media during an ongoing investigation. The bureau later highlighted that two individuals had been interrogated and subsequently released amid rising demands for investigators to share updates carefully to prevent speculation from escalating.
Authorities cautioned against disseminating unverified information as inaccurate identifications circulated widely on various platforms. Included in the group affected is Michael Mallinson, a 77-year-old retired banker from Toronto, who expressed shock upon discovering that his photo and name were inaccurately shared as those of the perpetrator after an individual resembling him was briefly apprehended at the location.
During a phone interview, he remarked, "It can happen so quickly." Media organizations and verification agencies documented the increase in false posts and fake accounts, which flourished due to the lack of verified information.
Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA and a notable figure on the right, was declared deceased at Timpanogos Regional Hospital after being hit by a single bullet during a Q&A session, according to officials. Investigators are urging anyone with video or information to step forward, leading to the emergence of vigils and memorials in Orem and beyond.
University officials encouraged students to use official channels for the latest updates. Authorities have unveiled images of a person of interest and are currently examining ballistic evidence collected from the rooftop believed to be the source of the shot.
