The assassination of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University on September 10 has ignited a wave of public speculation, conspiracy theories, and new developments in the ongoing investigation. The 31-year-old conservative commentator and Turning Point USA founder was shot in the neck during a live debate attended by over 3,000 students. While the FBI continues to search for the gunman, questions about event security and a suspicious figure spotted near Kirk moments before the shooting have gone viral online.
A key focus of speculation stems from a man seen near Kirk just seconds before the fatal shot. Social media users claimed the individual resembled a member of Donald Trump’s Secret Service detail, referencing the 2024 assassination attempt on Trump himself. During that attempt, the president was grazed by a bullet fired from a rooftop by 20-year-old Thomas Crooks. When images of Kirk’s security team surfaced, some online sleuths insisted one guard looked eerily familiar—raising unverified theories about deeper political connections.
However, others were quick to clarify that the man in question was a long-time member of Kirk’s personal security detail. He had accompanied Kirk at multiple speaking events prior to the shooting. While online conspiracy theories spread, officials have stressed that no evidence currently connects the killing to any Secret Service personnel or government-related operations.
In the meantime, the FBI released photos and video footage of a person of interest in the case. The suspect is seen in dark clothing, allegedly jumping from a rooftop and fleeing into a crowd of students moments after the shooting. Trace evidence recovered from the rooftop includes shoe impressions, palm prints, and a forearm imprint, while the murder weapon—a high-powered bolt-action rifle—was found discarded in a wooded area nearby.
Security at the event has also come under fire. UVU Police Chief Jeff Long admitted that only six officers were stationed at the event, despite the high-profile nature of the speaker and the size of the crowd. “You try to get your bases covered,” Long said, “and unfortunately, today, we didn’t.”
As the investigation intensifies, the FBI urges anyone with information to call 1-800-CALL-FBI. Though one arrest has reportedly been made, the identity of the shooter has not yet been confirmed publicly. The search continues, with new evidence and speculation unfolding by the day.
