Law enforcement authorities confirmed [1] late Wednesday that the person responsible for the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk remains at large after two separate individuals previously detained were both released without charges.
Kirk, 31, was gunned down on the campus of Utah Valley University just after noon on Wednesday, sending shockwaves through the conservative movement.
BREAKING: Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk has died at age 31 after being shot at a college event in Utah, President Trump confirms. He leaves behind his wife and two children. pic.twitter.com/zssGX0LQ0x [2]
— Fox News (@FoxNews) September 10, 2025 [3]
Authorities initially announced they had a suspect in custody, but within hours that statement was retracted.
FBI Director Kash Patel delivered the update during a Wednesday evening press conference, acknowledging that investigators had let go of the latest person of interest after questioning.
“The subject in custody has been released after an interrogation by law enforcement,” Patel said. “Our investigation continues and we will continue to release information in interest of transparency.”
The announcement represented a significant reversal, coming less than two hours after Patel had declared on social media that Kirk’s killer had been captured.
That earlier claim was reinforced by Utah Governor Spencer Cox, who joined officials at a press conference citing security footage that allegedly tied the individual to the crime.
By evening, however, investigators confirmed the man was not responsible for the shooting. The individual’s mother spoke with reporters, saying her son was deeply shaken by the events.
“He’s a great kid,” she said.
“I have a picture of him. He’s like 25-feet from Charlie on the other side that he was shot. He sent us a video.”
According to her, her son was a supporter of Kirk and had gone to Utah Valley University on Wednesday specifically to attend his event.
“He was attending like any other college kid. He listens to him,” she added.
The young man was the second person wrongly swept up in the fast-moving investigation.
Hours earlier, police had detained an older man who was seen on campus with his pants around his ankles.
Officers initially told bystanders that the man had confessed, and video showed him being taken away by authorities.
That individual was also released after being cleared of any involvement.
BREAKING: MANHUNT BACK UNDERWAY FOR CHARLIE KIRK’S ASSASSIN
Charlie was KILLED for speaking the TRUTH… and his MURDER is a TURNING POINT.
If you can be MURDERED for speaking your mind, in America… then America is DONE.
Everyone needs to be held ACCOUNTABLE. From the… pic.twitter.com/lrmnrcyt4T [4]
— Jesse Watters (@JesseBWatters) September 11, 2025 [5]
The rapid succession of mistaken detentions has raised questions about the pace and direction of the manhunt, though officials have stressed that the investigation is active and ongoing.
As of Wednesday night, law enforcement had not identified a new suspect or provided further details about the shooter’s whereabouts.
Kirk’s death on the university campus has left both his supporters and investigators demanding answers.
Authorities have urged anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing that the search for the person who killed one of the most recognizable figures in the conservative movement remains their top priority.
The FBI and local law enforcement agencies continue to process video evidence, eyewitness accounts, and forensic material gathered at the scene.
Officials have not announced whether they believe the shooting was premeditated or if Kirk was specifically targeted.
As of now, the case remains unsolved, with two individuals briefly caught in the investigation before being cleared.
The manhunt for Kirk’s killer continues.