Texas Border Business
Texas Border Business
Officials in Utah held a press conference on September 10, 2025, following the assassination of political influencer Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University (UVU). The event brought together state, federal, and university leaders, who provided initial details about the attack and the ongoing investigation.
Utah Department of Public Safety Commissioner Bo Mason confirmed that the shooting occurred at approximately 12:20 p.m. Mountain Standard Time during an event at UVU. “Charlie Kirk was shot at an event at Utah Valley University. He was transported by private vehicle to Timpanogos Regional Hospital, where he later passed away,” Mason said.
Mason noted that the Utah Department of Public Safety will be co-leading the investigation with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, working alongside the Utah County Sheriff’s Office, the Orem Police Department, and the UVU Police Department. “Shortly after the shooting, we took George Zinn into custody. After review, we determined that he did not match the suspect description and was not involved in the shooting. However, he was booked into the county jail by UVU Police for obstruction of justice,” Mason explained.
The commissioner emphasized that the case remains active, stating, “There was one shot fired and one victim. While the suspect remains at large, we believe this was a targeted attack.” He urged those struggling with the aftermath of the incident to call Utah’s crisis line, 988.
Robert Bowles, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Salt Lake City Field Office, offered condolences and assured the public of the bureau’s involvement. “On behalf of the FBI, we extend our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Charlie Kirk. Our thoughts are also with the people who witnessed this traumatic event,” he said. Bowles confirmed that federal agents responded immediately and added, “We have committed full resources to this investigation—tactical, operational, investigative, and intelligence. To be clear, the FBI is fully supporting and co-leading this investigation with our partners.” He said a digital media tip line is being set up to assist with gathering information.
Representing UVU, Vice President Val Peterson expressed shock and grief on behalf of the institution. “Utah Valley University is shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Charlie Kirk. We express our sincere condolences to the Kirk family, and our hearts are with our students, faculty, and staff who witnessed this unspeakable tragedy,” Peterson said. He emphasized that Kirk had been invited by the student group Turning Point USA and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to free expression: “UVU is a place to share ideas and debate openly and respectfully. Any attempt to infringe on those rights has no place here.”
Governor Spencer J. Cox delivered emotional remarks, calling the incident a political assassination. “Charlie Kirk was a husband, a father of two young children, and a passionate advocate for free speech. He believed in the power of debate to shape ideas, and he came to our college campuses to engage in that tradition,” Cox said.
The governor pledged accountability: “We now have a person of interest in custody. I want to be crystal clear: we will find the shooter, we will prosecute them, and we will hold them accountable to the fullest extent of the law. Utah still has the death penalty, and it remains an option.”
Cox also reflected on the broader implications of the attack. “Our nation is broken. We’ve seen political violence in Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and even against a former—and now current—President of the United States. Nothing I say can fix what is broken or bring back Charlie Kirk. But I implore all Americans: put aside hatred, see the humanity in one another, and pray for the Kirk family and for our country,” he said.
During a question-and-answer session, officials clarified that a person of interest is in custody, though it is not George Zinn. “At this time, there is no evidence of a second shooter,” Mason told reporters. He confirmed that surveillance footage shows the suspect dressed in dark clothing and suggested the shot may have been fired from a rooftop.
UVU Police Chief Jeff Long described the event’s security measures, noting that six officers and several plainclothes officers were on duty for the outdoor gathering of approximately 3,000 attendees. “Despite preparations, this was every police chief’s worst nightmare,” Long said.
Officials closed the press conference by extending condolences to Kirk’s family and urging the public to remain vigilant. “Updates will be provided through official law enforcement channels,” they said, adding, “We ask everyone to keep the Kirk family, and our nation, in your prayers.”
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