On Wednesday, a shooting at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah truly hit home. Charlie Kirk, a right-wing youth activist and podcast star, was assassinated cold in the street while addressing a public rally. Kirk, popularized for his fiery, youthful support of former President Donald Trump, was holding court underneath the white tent. The tent, which during the tragic incident was still painted with the hopeful slogans “The American Comeback” and “Prove Me Wrong,”
Kirk was firing up the audience like a rock concert, flinging “Make America Great Again” hats into the crowd. He was giving his public comments at the Losee Center instructional building on campus when the shooting began. Witnesses described the sound of a single gunshot hitting him, sending concertgoers fleeing for their lives in all directions.
The crash about 40 miles south of Salt Lake City. It was not long before it landed under the microscope of federal, state, and local law enforcement. After the shooting, the alleged gunman somehow jumped off the roof of the building and escaped the campus. To that end, law enforcement agencies initiated a multi-state manhunt for the shooter.
Authorities also found a high-powered, bolt-action rifle, which they believe was used during the attack, hidden in woods nearby. FBI investigators are currently treating the incident as an act committed by a lone perpetrator. On Wednesday morning, police arrested two people for investigation. After a brief investigation they were released from custody as it was evident that they had no involvement in the shooting whatsoever.
On Thursday, FBI officials put out the call for help in identifying that person of interest. They did not identify whether this person is the alleged gunman. While the investigation goes on, law enforcement is committed to finding the shooter and returning a sense of security to the community.
Yet this tragic incident has reverberated across the country. It’s been a personal disappointment, one that’s especially impacted Kirk’s supporters and anyone who closely tracks nontraditional political movements on the right. To us, his death is a profound loss—not only to friends and family, but to all who considered him the foremost voice within these circles.