Utah officials have given fresh details on the search for the gunman who killed Charlie Kirk during a Turning Point USA program at Utah Valley University, with both state and federal agencies directing the investigation, which they believe was a planned attack.
According to a statement from the Utah Department of Public Safety, Kirk was delivering his speech at about 12:20 p.m. local time when shots were fired at him.
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The department explained, “George Zinn was first taken in as a suspect but was later released and charged with obstruction by UVU police. Another individual, Zachariah Qureshi, was detained and released after questioning by law enforcement. Neither has been linked to the shooting. Investigators are still working on the case, and the gunman remains at large.”
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Shooting Considered a Targeted Attack
Authorities believe the shooter aimed directly at Kirk and fired from the roof of a nearby building. The program took place in the student courtyard and was secured by six officers from Utah Valley University.
The Department of Public Safety added that the university’s measures came in addition to Kirk’s private security team. Around 3,000 people were present at the event, according to DPS.
“This is a painful time for Utah and for our nation,” the department stated. “We urge anyone struggling with this news to reach out by calling 988, which is our state’s mental health crisis line.”
The investigation is being handled jointly by the Utah Department of Public Safety, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Utah County Attorney’s Office, the Utah County Sheriff’s Office, and nearby police departments.
