Authorities in Utah on Thursday released new details on the ongoing manhunt for the gunman who fatally shot Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk during a campus event at Utah Valley University, calling the attack “targeted” as state and federal agencies co-lead the investigation.
The Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS) said in a press release that Kirk was speaking at about 12:20 p.m. local time on Wednesday when he was struck by gunfire.
“We initially took in George Zinn as a suspect. He was later released and charged with obstruction by UVU police,” the department said. “A second suspect, Zachariah Qureshi, was taken into custody and released after interrogation with law enforcement. There are no current ties to the shooting with either of these individuals. There is an ongoing investigation and manhunt for the shooter.”
Investigators believe the gunman fired from the roof of a nearby building overlooking the student courtyard where the event was held. DPS noted that about 3,000 people attended the gathering, which was secured by six Utah Valley University officers in addition to Kirk’s personal security detail.
“This is a tragic moment for Utah and our country,” DPS said. “As we all heal, we encourage those who need help to call 988, our state’s mental health crisis line.”
Kirk was rushed to a local hospital in critical condition after being shot and later died, a university spokesperson confirmed to Fox News Digital.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Utah County Attorney’s Office, Utah County Sheriff’s Office, and local police departments are all working alongside DPS to track down the shooter. Authorities are asking anyone with information to submit tips through the FBI’s public hotline.
Witnesses described the chaos that erupted immediately after the shot rang out. Joey Gallegos, a Utah Valley University student, told Fox News Digital that “everyone decided to run like out of the courtyard,” adding that people were “tripping over each other and trying to jump over the barricade.”
The tragedy also sparked controversy in the media. MSNBC confirmed it has fired political analyst Matthew Dowd after he suggested Kirk’s own rhetoric contributed to his assassination.
“During our breaking news coverage of the shooting of Charlie Kirk, Matthew Dowd made comments that were inappropriate, insensitive and unacceptable,” MSNBC President Rebecca Kutler said in a statement. “We apologize for his statements, as has he. There is no place for violence in America, political or otherwise.”
MSNBC previously denounced Dowd’s remarks on social media, and a spokesperson for the network declined to comment further. Dowd joined MSNBC in 2022 after a lengthy career at ABC News.