Manhunt underway for gunman who killed Charlie Kirk

“An assassin tried to silence him with a bullet, but he failed, because, together, we will ensure that his voice, his message, and his legacy will live on for countless generations to come. Today, because of this heinous act, Charlie’s voice has become bigger and grander than ever before. And it’s not even close.”

“Tonight, I ask all Americans to commit themselves to the American values for which Charlie Kirk lived and died, the values of free speech, citizenship, the rule of law, and the patriotic devotion and love of God. Charlie was the best of America, and the monster who attacked him was attacking our whole country. “

“From the attack on my life in Butler, Pennsylvania, last year, which killed a husband and father, to the attacks on ICE agents, to the vicious murder of a health care executive in the streets of New York, to the shooting of House Majority Leader Steve Scalise and three others, radical left political violence has hurt too many innocent people and taken too many lives.”

“My administration will find each and every one of those who contributed to this atrocity and to other political violence, including the organizations that fund it and support it, as well as those who go after our judges, law enforcement officials, and everyone else who brings order to our country,” he said.

“It’s a long past time for all Americans and the media to confront the fact that violence and murder are the tragic consequence of demonizing those with whom you disagree day after day, year after year, in the most hateful and despicable way possible,” he said.

“For years, those on the radical left have compared wonderful Americans like Charlie to Nazis and the world’s worst mass murderers and criminals.”

“This is a dark moment for America. Charlie Kirk traveled the nation joyfully engaging with everyone interested in good faith debate his mission was to bring young people into the political process which he did better than anybody, ever.

To share his love of country and spread the simple words of common sense. On campuses nationwide, he championed his ideas with courage, logic, humor, and grace.”

“Charlie was also a man of deep, deep faith and we take comfort in the knowledge that he is now at peace with God in Heaven,” the president said.

“Our prayers are with his wife Erika and his two young, beloved children and his entire family who he loved more than anything in the world. We ask God to watch over them in this terrible hour of heartache and pain.”

“To my great fellow Americans, I am filled with grief and anger at the heinous assassination of Charlie Kirk at a college campus in Utah. Charlie inspired millions and tonight all who knew him and loved him are united in shock and horror,” Trump said in his statement.

“Charlie was a patriot who devoted his life to the cause of open debate and the country that he loved so much the United States of America.

“He fought for liberty, democracy, justice and the American people. He’s a martyr for truth and freedom and there’s never been anyone who has been so respected by youth.”

“Charlie’s children will be raised with stories instead of memories, photographs instead of laughter, and silence where their father’s voice should have echoed,” she wrote on X.

“Charlie Kirk’s life should serve as a symbolic reminder that compassionate awareness elevates family, love, and country. “

The president released a four-minute video paying tribute to Charlie Kirk and expressing the assassination as a “dark moment for America.”

“My thoughts this evening are with the loved ones of Charlie Kirk,” United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a statement.

“It is heartbreaking that a young family has been robbed of a father and a husband. We must all be free to debate openly and freely without fear – there can be no justification for political violence.”

FBI Director Kash Patel said moments ago on X that “the subject in custody has been released after an interrogation by law enforcement. Our investigation continues and we will continue to release information in interest of transparency.”

During a moment of prayer, shouting broke out on the House floor.

“Charlie was an American hero whose love for God, country, and family guided every step of his life. He was a faithful servant who poured himself into the fight for justice and freedom. He challenged his generation with conviction, intellect, and dialogue. He believed deeply in the power of ideas and in the responsibility each of us has to defend the truth,” Attorney General Pam Bondi said on X.

“Like so many, I am devastated by this loss. My heart aches for Erika and their two beautiful children. Charlie’s legacy of faith, love, and service will endure in the lives he shaped and the cause he so selflessly championed. We will honor him and we will not rest until justice is served.”

“Once again, a bullet has silenced the most eloquent truth teller of an era,” the health secretary said on X.

“My dear friend Charlie Kirk was our country’s relentless and courageous crusader for free speech. We pray for Erika and the children. Charlie is already in paradise with the angels. We ask his prayers for our country.”

The Yankees held a moment of silence for Charlie Kirk before a game vs. Detroit.

“Praying for Charlie Kirk right now, for his wife and young children, for our country,” Pratt said this afternoon on X.

“We need God’s grace. God help us,” he added.

“This isn’t my strong suit and I don’t even know how to begin to put into words the loss I am feeling right now over the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Charlie wasn’t just a friend — he was like a little brother to me – and to millions of people around the world – he was a true inspiration. He was one of the most courageous, principled men I’ve ever known, and he lived every day with purpose. His faith in God was unshakable, his love for Erika was inspiring, and the way he adored and cared for his two beautiful kids showed the kind of man he truly was. Charlie dedicated his life to something bigger than himself,” he said on X.

“He fought tirelessly for this country, for the values that make America great, and for the next generation. The impact he had on young people — reaching them in masses, giving them courage to stand up, to think for themselves, and to fight for freedom — is immeasurable. There is no question that Charlie’s work and his voice helped my father win the presidency. He changed the direction of this nation. Charlie was never a threat to anyone. He was civil, he was kind, he listened and responded with respect. The only “threat” he ever posed was that he was incredibly effective. He was a powerful messenger of truth, and people heard that truth. That’s what made him a target.

“This loss is absolutely devastating — not only for Erika and the kids, but for our country. We’ve lost a leader, a fighter, and a man whose character and conviction were rare. Too rare. To think that his life was cut short by a brutal, heinous, evil act is beyond comprehension. It is horrible and it is heartbreaking. Moments like this remind us just how fragile life is. We can’t wait to tell people how much they mean to us — we can’t admire them in silence. Charlie knew he was loved, but I want to say it again: he was a brother to me, and I will carry that with me forever.

“I know Charlie’s legacy doesn’t end here. He poured into millions of young people who will carry forward the torch he lit. He built something that will outlast him, because it was grounded in faith, in truth, and in courage. And as his friend, I will never forget him. I’ll honor him by loving boldly, speaking truth without fear, and continuing his spirit of courage. His fight lives on in all of us who loved him. This is an unimaginable loss. For me, for his family, for everyone who loved him, and for America. Rest in peace, brother. You will be missed more than words can ever say — but your legacy will never be forgotten and we will keep fighting the good fight.”

Political podcast host and friend of Charlie Kirk Brilyn Hollyhand tells NewsNation that Kirk “was a walking, talking beacon of hope for the next generation.”

“Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,” Vance said on X following President Trump’s announcement of Kirk’s death.

“We should all feel a deep sense of grief and outrage at the terrible violence that took place in Utah today,” the California governor said via X.

“Charlie Kirk’s murder is sick and reprehensible, and our thoughts are with his family, children, and loved ones. I knew Charlie, and I admired his passion and commitment to debate. His senseless murder is a reminder of how important it is for all of us, across the political spectrum, to foster genuine discourse on issues that deeply affect us all without resorting to political violence.

“The best way to honor Charlie’s memory is to continue his work: engage with each other, across ideology, through spirited discourse. In a democracy, ideas are tested through words and good-faith debate — never through violence. Honest disagreement makes us stronger; violence only drives us further apart and corrodes the values at the heart of this nation.”

Utah authorities said a man was in custody as they provided an update on the fatal shooting.

“Charlie Kirk was murdered for speaking truth and defending freedom. A lion-hearted friend of Israel, he fought the lies and stood tall for Judeo-Christian civilization. I spoke to him only two weeks ago and invited him to Israel,” the Israeli prime minister wrote on X.

“Sadly, that visit will not take place. We lost an incredible human being. His boundless pride in America and his valiant belief in free speech will leave a lasting impact. Rest in peace, Charlie Kirk.”

“All this violence cannot happen. Charlie Kirk was such an amazing guy. He really captured the youth, the imagination of the youth,” President Trump told Fox News.

“He was an unbelievable patriot. He really convinced millions and millions of young people that MAGA was the way to go. Today is so sad. He was an amazing person who was not afraid to talk to and confront the other side. Just talk to people, debate them, explain why they were wrong and MAGA was right. Nobody was better. It’s such a tragic day.”

Both Utah Valley University officers and Charlie Kirk’s security team worked collaboratively for the event, according to Jeffrey Long, the university’s chief of police.

Commissioner Mason confirmed the shooter was seen on security camera footage, and the shot came from on campus. The suspect was wearing dark clothing, and authorities are still trying to decipher if this matches the person in custody. The investigation is ongoing.

“At this point, there is no information that leads them to believe there is a second person involved,” Gov. Cox said.

The governor asked Americans to set aside their political beliefs and remember that Kirk was a husband, a father and an American. He urged people to put down their phones and pray.

Utah Governor Spencer Cox tells the media that the fatal shooting of Kirk was a “political assassination” and reminds everyone that Utah still has the death penalty.

George Zinn was taken into custody, but it was soon realized he was not the perpetrator; however, he was booked into jail for obstruction of justice, per Commissioner Mason.