During a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University, a single gunshot ended conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s life, sparking chaos among 3,000 attendees. Witnesses described people dropping to the ground in panic as bodyguards rushed to carry Kirk away. He was later pronounced dead at Timpanogos Regional Hospital. Authorities confirmed it was a targeted assassination, launching an urgent nationwide manhunt.

Two men were initially detained but later cleared of involvement, leaving the shooter at large. Confusion grew as officials gave conflicting statements, and no weapon has yet been recovered. FBI agents are now gathering tips and combing through evidence, including rooftop access points, to track down the killer before he disappears.

The aftermath has been further complicated by online misinformation. A 77-year-old man in Toronto was falsely identified as the shooter after a fake social media account spread his photo, showing how quickly rumors can spiral out of control during high-profile incidents.

President Donald Trump and other leaders have called Kirk’s death a national tragedy. Utah Valley University has closed for the week, and flags are flying at half-staff as investigators race against time to find the sniper who struck in broad daylight.