Charlie Kirk shooting suspect is in custody; family turned him in, Utah governor says
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The shooting suspect engraved writings on bullets he used. Three unfired casings also had inscriptions, Gov. Spencer Cox said.
What we know
- The suspect arrested and accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk has been identified by officials as 22-year-old Utah resident Tyler Robinson.
- Investigators interviewed a member of Robinson's family, who said he had become more political in recent years. The family member said Robinson recently told them that Kirk was coming to Utah Valley University and the pair discussed how they didn’t like Kirk and the viewpoints he held.
- Authorities said they recovered a “high-powered, bolt-action rifle” used in the shooting from a wooded area.
- Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray is planning to file formal charges against the suspect on Tuesday, according to a statement from his office.
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911 calls reveal panic after UVU shooting
Audio from 911 calls obtained by NBC News paint a picture of the panic that unfolded in the moments after Kirk was shot Wednesday.
Emergency operators in Utah released audio of 20 calls they received Wednesday between 12:24 and 12:57 p.m. local time in response to a records request from NBC News.
One caller said Kirk was shot in the neck and rushed off in a black SUV that at one point stopped abruptly.
"Right in the neck so I don’t think he has long," he said.
“I saw everything,” the man replies, sounding out of breath.
When asked where the shooter went the caller said he had "no clue" but that Kirk "was facing the courtyard and the shot hit the left of his neck.”
Another call was from a father who reported his daughter was at UVU and told him there was an active shooter.
“She was pretty hysterical but sounds like she’s in a building with a bunch of other people now. But she said she doesn’t think that they’ve gotten him yet,” the father told dispatch.
Another call came from a distressed mother whose daughter told her there was a shooting.
“Do I dare text her because her phone will make noise, right?” the mother said.
“At this point, it’s probably alright, but it’s your decision,” the operator said, reassuring her that police and emergency services were already on the way.
One person called dispatch reporting his friend was hiding by herself in a closet in a campus building.
“She’s just in the closet she doesn’t have any cell phone service so she just wants to make sure if she should stay there?” the caller said. Dispatch told the caller to tell the friend to stay put as the school was on lockdown.
Suspect in Charlie Kirk’s killing had a new interest in politics and a ‘squeaky clean’ reputation
The “squeaky clean” “considerate” kid who grew up in a family that celebrated his academic wins and time together in their suburban Utah community is now accused of murdering conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Tyler Robinson’s arrest today after a days-long manhunt shocked his community and family.
His grandmother, Debbie Robinson, who spoke with NBC News before her grandson’s name was made public, said she talks to her family every day and was not aware that her 22-year-old grandson, who she described as “squeaky clean,” had attended the event at Utah Valley University where Kirk was killed.
Robinson, an electrical apprentice, had developed a recent interest in politics, officials said. People in his community near St. George in conservative Southern Utah said that wasn’t typical of his family.
Iowa county leader says it will defy governor's order to fly flags at half-staff
The chairman of the board of supervisors in Johnson County, Iowa, said the county will defy an order from state Gov. Kim Reynolds to fly flags at half-staff in memory of Kirk.
The chairman, Jon Green, said in a post on Facebook last night that Kirk did not encourage inclusivity.
"I condemn Kirk’s killing, regardless of who pulled the trigger or why," Green stated. "But I will not grant Johnson County honors to a man who made it his life’s mission to denigrate so many of the constituents I have sworn an oath to protect, and who did so much to harm not only the marginalized, but also to degrade the fabric of our body politic."
Green said he made the decision under his own authority.
“Any blowback belongs to me alone, and I accept that,” he said in an interview with NBC News today.
Green said he made the decision to fly county flags at half staff in mourning for Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman in June, after she was killed in a politically motivated assassination, criticizing the governor because she “said nothing” of the incident.
“I stand by that determination and I stand by the decision I made today,” he said, adding “the governor knows where to find me.”
In a statement Wednesday, Reynold's office ordered flags to be flown at half-staff “as a mark of respect in memory of Charlie Kirk." It's not clear if the order, which extends from Wednesday through Sunday, applies to Johnson County and other counties.
In the statement, the governor's office said the Capitol and Capitol Complex will fly flags at half-staff, as well as "all public buildings, grounds, and facilities throughout the state." However, the statement also indicates county governments can decide on their own.
"Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties, and other government subdivisions are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the same length of time as a sign of respect," the governor's office said.
Today, Reynolds suggested Green's decision was not befitting the moment.
"It’s disgraceful that a locally-elected official has chosen to put politics above human decency during a time like this," she said on X.
Reynolds' office did not respond to a request for comment.
Johnson County is the home of the University of Iowa and has a population of approximately 153,360, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Teen describes past encounters with suspect
Josh Kemp, 18, lives in a townhome in a building diagonally across from the home that authorities have been searching all day.
He said he had once said hello in passing to the suspect and once, the suspect almost clipped him with his car when Kemp was on a e-bike. He said the suspect did not say anything that time.
Josh Kemp. Suzanne Gamboa / NBC News
Kemp said he and four other members of his ward of his church, which is Mormon, tried to minister to him at the apartment, but the suspect told them to “F off.”
Kemp, a fan of Kirk's, said he wishes he’d known the suspect’s plans because he would have tried to prevent him from carrying them out.
“I definitely wish I had tackled him right there,” Kemp said referring to the encounter at the door.
After Kirk’s death, teachers and professors nationwide fired or disciplined over social media posts
Following Kirk's assassination this week, educators across the country have found themselves facing swift termination or potential discipline after allegedly sharing opinions on social media about the killing.
At least a dozen faculty and staff, from school board officials to classroom teachers, have been met with fallout over insensitive posts about Kirk’s death. In at least two instances, universities fired staff members entirely for posts deemed inappropriate.
Many other educators have been suspended or are under investigation, and the number is likely to grow as conservative online influencers share screenshots.
At East Tennessee State University, two faculty members have been placed on administrative leave pending further review, school spokesperson Jess Vodden said. Complaints sent to the university included screenshots of Facebook comments, according to copies the school shared with NBC News, that one faculty member allegedly made in response to Kirk’s death, including “you reap what you sow.” Another allegedly wrote, “This isn’t a tragedy. It’s a victory.”
Erika Kirk says Turning Point USA events, her husband's podcast will go on
Erika Kirk said Turning Point USA events will continue as scheduled.
Charlie Kirk was on the group's America Comeback Tour when he was assassinated. The tour will continue after his death, his widow said.
The next stop is scheduled for Sept. 18 at Colorado State University in Fort Collins.
A key feature of the tour was Charlie Kirk's "Prove Me Wrong Table," at which he would debate anyone. It's not clear who might take that role, if the feature continues.
The tour is scheduled through Oct. 29, with more dates expected.
America Fest, an event scheduled for Dec. 18-21 in Phoenix, will also take place, Erika Kirk said.
“It will be greater than ever," she said.
She also said her late husband's signature, eponymous podcast will also carry on.
Movement Charlie Kirk started 'will not die' with him, widow says
Erika Kirk vowed tonight to continue her husband's legacy.
"The movement my husband built will not die. It won’t I refuse to let that happen. It will not die," Kirk said. "All of us will refuse to let that happen. No one will ever forget my husband’s name, and I will make sure of it."
She added that her late husband's organization wouldn't back down on campus tours following her husband's death at such an event on a college campus this week.
"There will be even more tours in the years to come," she said.
Charlie Kirk 'wearing the glorious crown of the martyr,' wife says
Erika Kirk described her late husband as a martyr in her remarks tonight.
Charlie Kirk, she said, is now "wearing the glorious crown of the martyr."
Erika Kirk says her husband 'loved' Trump
Erika Kirk expressed gratitude to President Donald Trump and his family, saying "my husband loved you," in tonight's address.
Trump said during a Fox News interview earlier today that he spoke with Kirk yesterday and that she was “devastated” by her husband’s death.
Erika Kirk thanks first responders who tried to save husband's life
In her first public remarks since her husband was assassinated Wednesday, Erika Kirk expressed gratitude to law enforcement who tried to ensure no further risk existed as medical first responders tried to save his life.
She also said law enforcement has provided security for her family in the time since the shooting.
"I want to thank the officers who have protected out Turning Point USA family these past few days," Kirk said.
She also thanked Turning Point USA staffers, including the group's chief of staff, Michael McCoy.
Erika Kirk thanks VP Vance and second lady
Erika Kirk directly thanked Vice President JD Vance and second lady Usha Vance during her remarks tonight.
"I want to thank my husband’s dear friend, Vice President Vance and his phenomenal wife, Usha, for their love and support. You guys honored my husband so well bringing him home," Kirk said.
The Vances joined Kirk’s family to Phoenix yesterday bringing his casket aboard Air Force Two.
Erika Kirk, widow of Charlie Kirk, to give first public remarks
Charlie Kirk's widow, Erika Kirk, is about to deliver her first public remarks following her husband's killing Wednesday.
Kirk's remarks will be streamed on the social media platforms of Turning Point USA, the nonprofit co-founded by Charlie Kirk, which aims to spread conservative political ideals.
Erika Kirk leads a ministry program called BIBLEin365, which her website states is focused on helping "individuals engage with the scriptures daily." She hosts a religious podcast, Midweek Rise Up, and runs a "faith-based" clothing line, Proclaim, according to her biography.
Classes to resume a week after shooting
Classes at Utah Valley University will restart on Wednesday, the school announced in a statement from its president.
The university had previously announced that the school would be closed through Sunday after Kirk was fatally shot in a campus courtyard on Wednesday afternoon.
The message from UVU president Astrid Tuminez also said that as part of a phased return, employees will return first on Monday to prepare to support students and Student Services would be available beginning on Tuesday.
FBI Director Patel was at Rao’s the night of posts about a person in custody in Kirk’s shooting
FBI Director Kash Patel was dining at Rao’s in New York on Wednesday night after the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk, two sources familiar with his whereabouts told NBC News.
Patel had posted on X at 6:21 p.m. ET that the “subject” in Kirk’s killing was “in custody.” Rao’s, a well-known restaurant that is notoriously tough to get into, opens at 7 p.m.
Then, at 7:59 p.m., Patel posted a follow-up post that the “subject in custody has been released after an interrogation by law enforcement.”
The details come amid criticism from multiple former FBI officials of Patel’s handling of the Kirk investigation.
One law enforcement official said that the “horrific event” of Kirk’s killing showcased Patel’s “public inability to meet the moment as a leader.”
In response to a question about whether Patel was at the restaurant when he posted about the investigation, as well as a request for comment about the criticism of the director, the FBI said in a statement that it “worked with our law enforcement partners in Utah to bring to justice the individual allegedly responsible for the horrific murder of Charlie Kirk, and we will continue to be transparent with the American people with real time updates as we are able.”
Rao’s did not immediately provide a comment to NBC News.
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox steps into a national healing role after Kirk assassination
At a news conference in the days after Kirk's assassination in Utah, Gov. Spencer Cox took to the podium to deliver updates about the case — and to urge Americans to find a way, together, out of this dark moment.
“There is one person responsible for what happened here, and that person is now in custody and will be charged soon and will be held accountable,” Cox said. “And yet, all of us have an opportunity right now to do something different.”
“We can always point the finger at the other side,” Cox added later, “and at some point we have to find an off-ramp, or it’s going to get much, much worse.”
Kirk’s assassination has sparked national mourning but also vitriol, with some Republican leaders including President Donald Trump blaming the “radical left” for the shooting.
But Cox has stepped forward as healer-in-chief.
Several service members relieved due to social media posts about Charlie Kirk, sources say
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told staff to find and identify military members, and any individual associated with the Pentagon, who have mocked or appeared to condone Charlie Kirk’s murder so they can be punished, according to two defense officials.
Several service members have been relieved of their jobs due to social media posts about Kirk, the officials said.
Hegseth and other senior Pentagon leaders have posted on X calling on others to report any military members or Defense Department staffers who post anything that could be interpreted as unsympathetic toward Kirk’s death.
Dozens of service members and civilian Pentagon employees have been called out on X, with their posts about Kirk highlighted and collected under the hashtag #RevolutionariesintheRanks.
Stephen King apologizes for saying Charlie Kirk 'advocated stoning gays'
Author Stephen King apologized Friday for saying that Charlie Kirk "advocated stoning gays to death."
"I apologize for saying Charlie Kirk advocated stoning gays. What he actually demonstrated was how some people cherry-pick Biblical passages," he wrote on X.
Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, called King a "horrible, evil, twisted liar."
"The horrible, evil, twisted liar apologizes. This is what I get for reading something on Twitter w/o fact-checking. Won’t happen again," King responded.
Charlie Kirk's chair left empty as podcast airs episode to 'commemorate our friend'
Charlie Kirk’s podcast and radio program aired an episode today to "commemorate our friend, our dear brother," the show’s executive producer Andrew Kolvet said.
Kirk’s chair was left empty.
"We wanted so badly to do this show for all of you today," Kolvet said on "The Charlie Kirk Show."
"Here we are because Charlie would want us to be here. He would be upset if we weren’t here," he continued. "And of course, we have left his chair open and empty because no one will ever fill it, nobody could ever hope to."
Kolet was joined by Jack Posobiec, Tyler Bowyer and Blake Neff.
"I know the seat looks empty, but it’s not," Posobiec said. "The seat isn’t empty at all because in a way, Charlie’s the only thing we’re all thinking about right now."
Neff got emotional as he talked about how Kirk had a "drastic impact on my life."
"He basically gave me my life back. And I don’t know how to express how grateful I am for that," he said.
Bowyer started crying. "It’s been really hard. We’ve been able to lean on each other. I think talking a lot to one another about the memories and that’s probably the most important thing that we can do today is share those memories."
Attorney's office will file suspect charges on Tuesday
Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray is planning to file formal charges against the suspect on Tuesday, according to a statement from his office. He will hold a press conference, also on Tuesday, with the filing of the charges, at 2 p.m. ET.
Discord disputes some details shared in news conference
The company behind the online chat app Discord is disputing some details that were shared in Friday's news conference with officials. Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said that the suspect's roommate had shown law enforcement messages from Discord, in which an account going by the name "Tyler" discussed retrieving a gun from a drop point, engraving bullets and details about the gun's scope.
In a statement to NBC News, a Discord spokesperson said the company did identify an account belonging to the suspect, but said the messages mentioned in the news conference were not believed to have been sent on Discord.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragedy and extend our condolences to the Kirk family and everyone affected. In the course of our investigation, we identified a Discord account associated with the suspect, but have found no evidence that the suspect planned this incident or promoted violence on Discord. The messages referenced in recent reporting about planning details do not appear to be Discord messages. These were communications between the suspect’s roommate and a friend after the shooting, where the roommate was recounting the contents of a note the suspect had left elsewhere. We have removed the suspect’s account for violating our off-platform behavior policy. We strongly condemn violence of any kind, including political violence, and we will continue to coordinate closely with law enforcement.
Discord has been used in recent years by several shooting suspects.
Suspect was an electrical student at a technical college
The Charlie Kirk shooting suspect is a third-year student in the electrical apprenticeship program at Dixie Technical College in St. George, Utah, a spokesperson from Utah Valley University said.
He attended Utah State University for one semester in 2021, the spokesperson said, and also earned college credits through Utah Tech University while in high school from 2019-2021.
The Utah County Security Center where Tyler Robinson is being held. Michael Ciaglo / Getty Images
Utah Valley students can pick up items they left in courtyard
Students who attend Utah Valley University and left their things in the campus courtyard during the shooting can retrieve them starting today at 2 p.m.
Pickup will be at the Young Living Alumni Center at 1062 W. 800 S. in Orem.
Suspect's neighbor says she's 'shocked' by shooting
Kristin Schwiermann, a neighbor of the suspect's family, said he was "smart," "quiet" and "never caused any problems."
"It was just a shock," Schwiermann said. "I am shocked, very shocked."
She said that she found out that Tyler Robinson had been named as a suspect from her son.
"My son texted me and said, 'Hey, this is Tyler Robinson that lives three doors down.' And I’m like, 'No, it can’t be.' It’s shocking," she said. "That’s not who’s in our neighborhood. I feel for his mom. … She’s a great mom, and he has a great dad."
Kristin Schwiermann. Suzanne Gamboa / NBC News
Suspect expected to be charged with aggravated murder
The suspect arrested in Charlie Kirk's shooting is expected to be charged with aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury and obstruction of justice, according to a probable cause affidavit.
The offenses are all state charges.
Gov. Spencer Cox said that under Utah law, they have three days to file charging documents. He said that it should come "early next week."
People mourn Charlie Kirk outside the Turning Point USA headquarters today in Phoenix. Charly Triballeau / AFP - Getty Images
Officials believe suspect acted alone in shooting
Officials believe the suspect acted alone in Charlie Kirk’s shooting, Gov. Spencer Cox said at a morning news conference.
Tyler Robinson. Utah Governor's Office
When asked by a reporter if he expects additional arrests, the governor said: "We do not at this time have any information that would lead to any additional arrests."
A reporter then asked if he believed the suspect acted alone. "Yes, but the investigation is ongoing."
'Hey fascist! Catch!' among inscriptions found on suspect's weapons
Discord messages reviewed by investigators indicated that the shooting suspect engraved writings on bullets he used and that the rifle and scope he used were "unique," Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said at a news conference this morning.
Officials found a bolt-action rifle wrapped in a dark towel yesterday in a wooded area on the edge of Utah Valley University. Cox said it was a Mauser model 98 bolt-action rifle. It had a scope mounted on it.
There were inscriptions on casings found within the rifle, Cox said. The inscription on the fired casing said: "notices, bulges, OWO, what's this?"
Three unfired casings also had inscriptions, Cox said.
One read, "Hey fascist! Catch!" with an up arrow, a right arrow and three down arrows.
The second said, "Oh bella ciao, bella ciao, bella ciao ciao ciao."
The third, "If you read this, you are gay LMAO."
No indication of prior criminal history found for suspect
NBC News’ searches of state and national public records associated with Tyler Robinson’s name and date of birth found no indication of a prior criminal record.
Inscriptions found on bullet casings from suspect
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox confirmed that inscriptions were found on the bullet casings belonging to Tyler Robinson, the suspect in the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk. One of the inscriptions had the lyrics to the Italian folk song “Bella Ciao.”
FBI director says arrest was made in ‘historic time’
The shooting suspect was detained last night, FBI Director Kash Patel said, thanking President Donald Trump, the federal government and the public for assistance.
"In 33 hours, we have made historic progress for Charlie," he said at a morning news conference.
Patel highlighted the quick response from law enforcement after the shooting and the efforts made to take the suspect into custody quickly.
"The arrest is a testament to good law enforcement being great," he said.
Patel said as of this morning, officials have over 11,000 leads that were called in to the FBI, and "we're running out every single lead that we can."
Shooting suspect was a student at Utah State University in 2021
The suspect arrested in connection with Charlie Kirk's shooting went to Utah State University for one semester in 2021, a spokesperson for the university confirmed to NBC News.
He was a pre-engineering major and took classes consistent with that major during the brief period he attended, according to university spokeswoman Amanda DeRito.
He then took a leave of absence.
The shooting took place at Utah Valley University. A spokesperson for that school said the suspect is not a student.
Utah Gov. Cox says suspect discussed Kirk's upcoming appearance at Utah Valley University with family
Tyler Robinson, the shooting suspect, arrived on the campus of Utah Valley University on Wednesday at 8:29 a.m. in a gray Dodge Challenger, wearing a plain maroon T-shirt, light-colored shorts and a black hat with a white logo, as seen in surveillance videos, Cox said.
When Washington County investigators approached the suspect this morning, Cox said he was wearing a similar outfit. Messages from the shooting suspect later reviewed by investigators indicated he had changed outfits.
Investigators interviewed a member of the man's family, who said he had become more political in recent years. The person said Robinson recently told them that Kirk was coming to UVU and the pair discussed how they didn't like Kirk and the viewpoints he held.
Officials also interviewed Robinson's roommate, who showed investigators a number of Discord messages from the suspect, including ones that said he needed to get a rifle from a drop point and another about leaving that rifle in a bush, Cox said.
There were also messages that referred to the suspect watching the spot where he had left the rifle after Kirk's shooting and that the rifle was wrapped in a towel, which is how officials found it yesterday.
Utah Gov. Cox: 'We got him'
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox announced the arrest of Tyler Robinson, the suspect accused of shooting and killing Charlie Kirk on Wednesday.
Cox said a family member of Robinson reached out to a family friend last night, who then contacted the Washington County Sheriff's Office with information that Robinson had either confessed or implied that he had carried out Wednesday's shooting.
Florida councilman facing calls to resign over post calling Kirk’s death ‘fitting sacrifice’
A councilman in the village of Palmetto Bay, Florida, is facing a backlash and growing calls for him to step down over a social media post about the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
In the since-deleted post, Councilman Steve Cody called Kirk’s assassination “a fitting sacrifice” with a graphic of the activist’s 2023 remarks that “it’s worth to have a cost of, unfortunately, some gun deaths every single year” for Second Amendment rights.
“Charlie Kirk is a fitting sacrifice to our Lords: Smith & Wesson. Hallowed be their names,” Cody wrote.
He spoke with NBC6 yesterday, addressing why he made the post and then deleted it.
“I will admit to you it was not well thought out,” Cody said. “I regret it because it was insensitive. I do think there’s a certain bit of irony in it, but it caused a lot of pain for people I know and people that I respect, and I took it down.”
White House defends Patel's handling of the Kirk investigation
The White House is defending FBI Director Kash Patel’s handling of the investigation into the Charlie Kirk shooting. Patel posted on social media Wednesday that a suspect had been taken into custody; less than two hours later, he said that person was released.
In a statement, a White House official said:
“Director Patel is working night and day on this case. Anyone who doubts his resolve and dedication — especially when Charlie was such a close friend to him — simply is using this extremely sad moment in disgusting act of political gamesmanship. The focus is justice, and this killer will face the full wrath of the justice system.”
Patel listens as Utah Department of Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason speaks at Utah Valley University yesterday. Michael Ciaglo / Getty Images
Suspect identified as Tyler Robinson, sources say
The suspect arrested and accused of killing Charlie Kirk has been identified as Tyler Robinson, five senior law enforcement officials briefed on the matter told NBC News.
Robinson, 22, is from Utah.
Trump says Kirk's wife is 'devastated' by her husband's death
Trump said in the interview on "Fox and Friends" that Kirk's wife is "devastated" by her husband's death.
"I spoke to his wife yesterday. She's like, devastated, but in between the devastation, they want to keep Turning Point going," Trump said, referring to Kirk's nonprofit organization.
Trump said that he didn't watch the graphic video that circulated on social media showing the moment that Kirk was shot.
"I didn't watch. I didn't want to watch. I heard about it," he said. "I would have never made a good doctor. Let me put it that way ... No, I mean ... I heard enough."
Suspect in Kirk shooting has been arrested: Sources
Police have taken into custody the man they believe is responsible for shooting and killing Charlie Kirk at a Utah university speaking engagement on Wednesday.
A family member saw the photos of the suspect and turned him into police, two senior law enforcement officials say.
The suspect is in his early 20s and is from Utah.
Numerous vigils planned across the country in honor of Kirk
At least four vigils have already been planned for this evening to honor Charlie Kirk, who was shot dead during a speaking engagement at a Utah university Wednesday.
The scheduled vigils are as follows:
- Candlelight vigil in Provo, Utah's Kiwanis Park at 7:30 p.m. local time.
- Bonita Springs, Florida, at 7 p.m. local time.
- West Palm Beach, Florida, at 7 p.m. local time.
- Jersey City, New Jersey, at 7 p.m. local time.
Other vigils for this evening are expected to be planned.
Trump announces about Kirk suspect: 'I think, with a high degree of certainty, we have him — in custody'
Trump announced in an interview on Fox News this morning that law enforcement have the suspect in the Kirk shooting in custody.
“I think, with a high degree of certainty, we have him — in custody ... everyone did a great job we worked with the local police, the governor, everybody did a great job," he said.
"I hope that he was going to be found guilty, I would imagine, and I hope he gets the death penalty. What he did, Charlie Kirk, was the finest person but he didn't deserve this. He worked so hard and so well. Everybody liked him. I've been watching even the left is having a hard time."
"Essentially, somebody that was very close to him turned him in," Trump said.
Trump also added some doubt to his statement, saying: "I’m always subject to be corrected … I’m just giving you based on what I’m hearing."
The person has not been named and law enforcement officials have yet to formally announce any arrest.
Next news conference at 9 a.m. ET
State and federal officials are hosting a news conference at 9 a.m. ET to discuss the ongoing manhunt for the suspect they believe shot and killed Charlie Kirk.
Expected speakers are: Gov. Spencer J. Cox; FBI Director Kash Patel; Beau Mason, commissioner of the Utah Department of Public Safety; and FBI special agent in charge Robert Bohls.
Utah man arrested, charged after sneaking onto, taking pictures of Kirk crime scene
Local police arrested a Utah man who snuck into the crime scene at Utah Valley University yesterday to take pictures of and film the area, according to a probable cause affidavit.
The man, Russel Kennington of Pleasant Grove, was charged with criminal trespass and obstruction of justice in the first degree.
The scene at Utah Valley University following the shooting. KSL
According to the probable cause affidavit, a man in a lab coat was seen inside the crime scene, which was secured and roped off with indicators that no one should cross. The man had crossed the crime scene tape anyway and was using his phone to take photos and videos of the evidence at the scene.
After attempting to flee police, the man identified himself and was detained in handcuffs, the affidavit said. He told police he was there because he was "reminiscing" and wanted to document the scene.
He admitted he knew he was not supposed to cross the yellow crime scene tape but did so anyway in order to capture photos of himself and of the crime scene.
McCarthy reflects on Kirk's death and his relationship with the late conservative activist
Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy reflected on the death of Charlie Kirk and his relationship with the late conservative activist and described him as a keen debater and talented activist.
Kirk was spreading his conservative message in Asia days before he was killed
Charlie Kirk speaking at Build Up Korea in Seoul last week. via Build Up Korea
Less than a week before he was killed, Kirk was in Asia spreading his conservative and anti-immigration message, making stops in South Korea and Japan, where he urged people to have more children and embrace religion.
“Their country is totally under attack,” he said of South Korea on his podcast this week after returning from his trip. “The same things that we have been fighting for here, whether it be lawfare in South Korea or mass migration in Japan — this is a worldwide phenomenon.”
There is a receptive audience for messages such as Kirk’s in South Korea and Japan, both East Asian democracies and U.S. allies with highly monoethnic populations, falling birth rates and growing far-right movements.
‘Really scary’: Orem residents describe police presence after Kirk shooting
Residents of Orem, Utah, describe the police presence in their town after the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk during an event at a nearby college campus. Authorities say the gunman fled the scene into a neighborhood, where a bolt-action rifle was found in a wooded area.
Universities hosting Kirk expected crowds and protesters. At Utah Valley, a shooter arrived.
A memorial for Charlie Kirk outside the U.S. Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa, yesterday. Phill Magakoe / AFP - Getty Images
For years, Charlie Kirk’s appearances at college campuses were major events — drawing thousands of students and attracting protesters, often staged to maximize his interaction with the crowds of young conservatives he inspired.
And each event came with unique security risks, which campuses around the country handled case by case, according to interviews with Kirk’s former security chief and organizers at several colleges who spoke to NBC News.
Kirk’s assassination Wednesday is raising questions about whether more should have been done at Utah Valley University, in Orem, where roughly 3,000 people came to hear the conservative activist speak.
Video appears to show a person running across a roof after Kirk shooting
Video taken moments after Charlie Kirk was fatally shot at an event in Utah appears to show a figure running across a rooftop opposite to where the conservative activist was sitting.
Virginia Tech says its Turning Point USA event hasn't yet been canceled
Charlie Kirk was killed on the first day of a speaking tour across university campuses, dubbed The American Comeback. At least one of the colleges on the tour, Virginia Tech, says it has not yet canceled the event in light of Wednesday's shooting.
College spokesperson Mark Owczarski told NBC News last night that the scheduled Turning Point event there Sept. 24 could still take place.
"The university’s focus has been directed on caring for those students who have been affected or impacted by those events. When the time is right, we’ll work with students to help them figure out what they may wish to do next. Their immediate needs come first, the logistics of a future event will follow," he said in a statement.
Kirk planned to host a "prove me wrong table" format event at Virginia Tech where he would take questions from the crowd, just as he did in Utah on Wednesday when he was fatally shot.
The other colleges scheduled to host events on the tour have not yet responded to requests for comment.
Video: Vance arrives in Arizona with Kirk’s casket
Vice President JD Vance and second lady Usha Vance accompanied Charlie Kirk’s family to Phoenix with Kirk’s casket aboard Air Force Two. Kirk’s casket was transported to a mortuary.
Vance was a close friend of Kirk's and credits him with playing a key role in his own political career and the electoral success of Trump.
Why Kirk assassination videos are still spreading online
Graphic videos of Kirk’s assassination continued to spread across social media platforms today, with many companies choosing to put the footage behind content warnings rather than taking it down entirely.
On YouTube and Meta, videos that showed the moment Kirk was hit by the bullet required users to acknowledge that they were willing to see sensitive content.
On other platforms, including X and TikTok, many of the videos remained easily accessible without any warning.
The spread of videos depicting violent incidents, like shootings, has been a perennial issue for social media platforms, complicated in recent years by a shift away from aggressive, human-based moderation. Most companies still have policies either banning or limiting the spread of gory videos.
Assassination tests Trump’s ability to help a nation heal
Following Charlie Kirk’s assassination, President Donald Trump may be uniquely positioned to tamp down the anger that suffuses American politics and lead a movement to bind up a bitterly divided country if he chooses.
But, political strategists and officials from both parties told NBC News, that’s not the path Trump appears to be taking.
Trump has been both a target of assassination attempts and a fount of vitriolic rhetoric. He knows firsthand the passions that drive American voters and, were he to renounce partisan attacks and call on others in both parties to do the same, that gesture could potentially send a healing message.
With the killer still at large and a manhunt underway, Trump, in his video response, laid blame on familiar foils. In a message from the Oval Office Wednesday, he singled out the “radical left” and made no mention of cases in which Democratic elected officials in Minnesota and Pennsylvania were targets of violent attacks.
