A more detailed timeline is taking shape as authorities gather more information about the shootings following the assassination of Charlie Kirk on the University of Utah campus on Wednesday.
What occurred on Wednesday?
Reports indicate that Kirk’s American comeback tour kicked off at noon local time at Utah Valley University in Orem, which is approximately 10 minutes north of Provo and about 45 minutes south of Salt Lake City.
Kirk was set up at a table titled “prove me wrong” in the UVU Courtyard. As is typical for events organized by the TPUSA founder, the gathering was outdoors and everyone could join in discussions and ask questions. Reports stated that about 3,000 individuals attended.
At around 12:20 PM, while Kirk was answering questions, he was shot. The bullet struck him in the neck, causing him to collapse as blood poured from the wound. Attendees were left in chaos as he was quickly rushed to a nearby hospital.
Shortly after, around 12:42 PM, UVU warned that the suspect was in custody and that the investigation was ongoing.
By 1:10 PM, a UVU spokesperson confirmed that Kirk had indeed been shot but did not provide any updates on his condition, wrongly stating that the suspect was still at large.
At 1:37 PM, UVU announced the campus would be closed and that classes were cancelled until further notice. All students were instructed to leave immediately.
By 2:40 PM, President Donald Trump confirmed that Kirk had passed away, stating that no one understood American youth quite like him.
The Associated Press noted that a shot was fired from a rooftop, with police suggesting that the shots likely came from the Ross Center building, situated about 200 yards from where Kirk was speaking.
In an update on Wednesday, FBI Director Kash Patel mentioned on social media that authorities were still working to ascertain whether other shooters were still at large, and that information provided thus far was difficult to piece together.
The Utah Public Safety Department’s spokesperson revealed that several individuals were questioned following the shooting but were quickly released after it was determined they were not suspects. Authorities urged the public to be patient as the investigation continued.
Reports indicated that George Jin was initially detained, followed by Zakaria Kureshi, both of whom were later released. However, some sources claimed that Jin faced charges for obstructing justice.
As of 7:54 PM, authorities confirmed that a manhunt for the shooter was still active.
What has transpired so far on Thursday?
During a press conference on Thursday morning, authorities stated that Kirk’s body had been transferred to the medical examiner’s office and expressed the intention to ensure he is returned to his family.
They announced several insights into the investigation, stating they were able to track the suspect’s movements from shortly before the shooting and noted that the individual escaped from the scene.
Investigators have also been seeking to gather video footage from neighbors’ doorbell cameras, and while they mentioned they possess relevant video evidence, it hasn’t been released yet. Authorities expressed confidence in their ability to identify the suspect.
Roughly at 10 AM local time, the FBI in Salt Lake City posted an update, revealing that they believe they have recovered the weapon used to kill Kirk. They mentioned it was a “strong bolt-action rifle” found in a nearby wooded area, now being analyzed.
Additionally, they have been examining various forensic evidence such as footwear impressions and fingerprints, and the public was encouraged to submit any related video or information.
Overall, the investigation is still underway, and while some pieces are falling into place, the journey to find justice for Kirk is far from over.
