2nd suspect released after shooting that killed Charlie Kirk

A second man taken into custody after the fatal shooting of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University has been released, according to FBI Director Kash Patel.

“The subject in custody has been released after an interrogation by law enforcement,” Patel said in a social media post on Wednesday evening. “Our investigation continues and we will continue to release information in interest of transparency.”

The individual’s name was briefly circulated by some media outlets and on social media but was later withdrawn. It was the second release announced since the shooting.

Utah Valley University initially said a suspect was in custody, but the man was later cleared of involvement and instead booked for obstruction of justice, according to officials. Videos from the scene showed police detaining him, though it remains unclear why he was arrested.

The manhunt for the shooter continues. Authorities described the suspect as wearing all dark clothing, based on campus security footage.

A video circulating on social media appears to show a figure on the roof of the Losee Center shortly before the gunshot. Officials said the shot came from a campus location, potentially from a rooftop.

“To whoever did this, we will find you, we will try you, and we will hold you accountable to the furthest extent of the law,” Utah Governor Spencer Cox said. “I just want to remind people that we still have the death penalty here in the state of Utah.”

The shooting happened at about 12:20 p.m. when Kirk, 31, was speaking at a university event near the food court. A single gunshot struck him in the neck, and he was later pronounced dead.