Charlie Kirk shooting suspect released after interrogation, says FBI director Kash Patel

The subject in custody has been released after an interrogation by law enforcement. Our investigation continues and we will continue to release information in interest of transparency https://t.co/YXsG6YpFR5

— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) September 10, 2025

Earlier, Patel said the assassin was on the run when the FBI caught him, without revealing the suspect’s name. “The subject responsible for today’s horrific shooting that took the life of Charlie Kirk is now in custody. Thank you to the local and state authorities in Utah for working with the FBI,” Patel wrote on X, after police had mistakenly detained another man seen in video kneeling and saying, “I have the right to remain silent.” 

The subject for the horrific shooting today that took the life of Charlie Kirk is now in custody. Thank you to the local and state authorities in Utah for your partnership with @fbi.
We will provide updates when able.

— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) September 10, 2025

The gunman opened fire while Kirk was on stage, according to the Oren Police Department. Confusion over whether the real suspect was in custody dragged on for hours before Patel’s announcement.

Kirk had been answering a question about mass shootings carried out by transgender people when a single bullet struck his neck.

“The great, and even legendary, Charlie Kirk is dead. No one understood or had the heart of the youth in the United States of America better than Charlie,” President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social.

“He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now he is no longer with us. Melania and my sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika and family. Charlie, we love you!” The president then ordered all US flags flown at half-staff until Sunday.

“We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!” – President Donald J. Trump pic.twitter.com/GqYC4QdhA1

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) September 10, 2025

Utah governor responds to Charlie Kirk’s death

Utah’s Governor Spencer Cox, in a statement on X, said officials are being updated by law enforcement after the attack on Charlie Kirk during his visit to Utah Valley University.

“Those responsible will be held fully accountable. Violence has no place in our public life,” he wrote, adding, “Americans of every political persuasion must unite in condemning this act. Our prayers are with Charlie, his family, and all those affected.”

I am being briefed by law enforcement following the violence directed at Charlie Kirk during his visit to Utah Valley University today. We will continue to share updates.

Those responsible will be held fully accountable. Violence has no place in our public life.

Americans of…

— Governor Cox (@GovCox) September 10, 2025

Shortly after, California Governor Gavin Newsom reacted to the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk with a statement. He said the killing in Utah was “sick and reprehensible” and offered condolences to Kirk’s family, children, and loved ones.

Newsom said he knew Charlie personally and respected his passion for debate. He called the murder a reminder that politics should be fought with words, not violence. 

“The best way to honor Charlie’s memory is to continue his work: engage with each other, across ideology, through spirited discourse. In a democracy, ideas are tested through words and good-faith debate — never through violence. Honest disagreement makes us stronger; violence only drives us further apart and corrodes the values at the heart of this nation.”

US Vice President JD Vance asked people to “say a prayer for Charlie Kirk.” House Speaker Mike Johnson called him a “close friend and confidant.” Ben Shapiro wrote he was “utterly stunned and heartbroken.”

Following Kirk’s death, even political opponents like Joe Biden and Barack Obama condemned the killing and sent prayers to Kirk’s family, stressing that political violence has no place in America.

(with inputs from USA Today, NY Post)