University officials revealed Wednesday that the bullet that killed Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk was fired from inside a Utah Valley University building located approximately 200 yards from where Kirk was hosting his event.
Ellen Treanor, a spokesperson for the university, confirmed that the fatal shot came from the Losee Center, striking Kirk about 20 minutes after he had begun speaking to students and attendees.
The shocking incident left the campus and surrounding community reeling. President Donald Trump was among the first to confirm Kirk’s death, taking to Truth Social with a statement of tribute. “The Great, and even Legendary Charlie Kirk, is dead,” Trump wrote, lauding him as a figure who deeply understood and cared about the youth of America.
In an update shared with PEOPLE, Utah Valley University clarified that the suspect behind the shooting has not yet been apprehended. “The suspect is not in custody. Police are still investigating. Campus is closed for the rest of the day,” the statement read.
Law enforcement officials continue to investigate the circumstances of the attack, while the university remains on lockdown as a precaution.
Charlie Kirk.
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According to dispatch audio obtained and reviewed by PEOPLE, law enforcement officers described a possible suspect positioned “on top of the building on the far north side just east of the library.” The individual was reportedly dressed entirely in black and armed with what authorities referred to as a “black long gun.” The suspect was also said to be wearing a black tactical helmet, a black mask, and possibly a tactical vest along with jeans.
Charlie Kirk/Instagram
Authorities first reported that a suspect had been taken into custody. However, in a later update shared with PEOPLE, the university clarified that no arrests had been made, emphasizing that police were still actively investigating while the campus remained closed for the remainder of the day. Officials did not immediately provide an explanation for the conflicting information.
The identity of the suspected shooter and any potential motive have not yet been disclosed. Law enforcement activity is ongoing across the campus as the investigation continues.