Trump ally Charlie Kirk shot dead: FBI director Kash Patel says person detained from scene released; investigation continues

Federal Bureau of Investigation director Kash Patel on Wednesday said that the subject in custody has been released after interrogation.

Several videos emerged on social media, showing an elderly person being detained by police shortly after right-wing activist and US President Donald Trump ally Charlie Kirk was shot at Utah University .

Taking to X, Patel wrote, "The subject in custody has been released after an interrogation by law enforcement. Our investigation continues, and we will continue to release information in the interest of transparency."

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 https://t.co/YXsG6YpFR5

— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) September 10, 2025

In a shocking incident, Kirk was shot in the neck on Wednesday afternoon (local time) while he was speaking at an event at Utah University. Police suspect that the shot was fired from around 200 yards.

Police detained the elderly person from the University campus amid chaos that erupted after Kirk was shot. Police haven't released any information about the person who was detained.

#BREAKING: Man suspected of shooting #CharlieKirk detained at #UTAH Valley University.

"I have the right to remain silent," he says. pic.twitter.com/DbqW8rX72g

— GlobalTechtonic (@GlobalTechtonic) September 10, 2025

FBI Director Kash Patel earlier had said, "The subject for the horrific shooting today that took the life of Charlie Kirk is now in custody."