Suspect in Custody After Shooting on University Campus

As of 6:35 PM ET, FBI Director Kash Patel announced via social media that a suspect is now in custody following a fatal shooting involving conservative commentator Charlie Kirk earlier that evening on a university campus in Utah.

In a post on X, Patel stated, “Updates will be provided when possible,” mentioning the FBI’s involvement.

A prior update at 5 PM confirmed through multiple sources that Kirk had been shot on the campus during an event on Wednesday. Scott Trotter, a spokesman for Utah Valley University, initially indicated that the shooter had not been detained. According to Deseret News, Kirk was shot shortly after he began speaking at a rally, with the incident occurring around 12:20 PM near the food court area. Reports confirmed that Kirk was injured, but details about his condition remained unclear at that time.

An update at 4:17 PM from New York Times spokesperson Scott Trotter conveyed that authorities had determined the individual detained after the incident was not the actual shooter.

By 3:49 PM, Deseret News clarified that initial reports about the shooter being apprehended were incorrect, with first responders stating that the actual suspect may still be at large.

The incident transpired while Kirk was addressing attendees outdoors at Utah Valley University. Eyewitnesses noted that Kirk was shot in the neck during a Q&A session with a student.

Deseret News reported that a campus alert informed students that the suspect was in custody, following an evacuation of the campus. The shooting was directed towards a speaker, prompting a thorough investigation by the police.

Details about the suspect’s identity have not been released, and media outlets, including Blaze News, are reaching out to local authorities for more information as it develops.

This article will be updated as new information arises.