In the tense moments following the incident at Utah Valley University, emergency dispatch audio revealed the chaos and urgency as officers rushed to respond. On September 11, officials released recordings from the previous day, capturing how authorities scrambled to lock down the area and locate the suspect.
Dispatchers urgently warned officers of danger near the campus library. One call said, “Units, be advised: UVU in Orem has had an active situation at the Charlie Kirk event. We’re getting several calls, trying to get more information.” Moments later, another voice added, “Gunshots heard near the library at UVU. They’re trying to lock the library down now.”
A breathless caller described the suspect, “He’s wearing jeans, black shirt, black mask, long rifle.” Another report followed quickly: “He is on top of the building on the far north side just east of the library, wearing a black vest.”
An officer then confirmed, “We do have officers following the victim to Timpanogos Hospital… how many injured do we have?” The dispatcher replied somberly, “Just one person.”
Former Utah congressman Jason Chaffetz, who was attending the event with his family, described the panic inside the venue, where more than 2,000 people had gathered. “As soon as the shot went out, Charlie fell back, and everybody hit the deck. A lot of people started screaming, and then everyone started running,” Chaffetz recalled.
Later, investigators discovered a rifle abandoned in a wooded area near the university along with other physical evidence. Early reports suggested unverified markings were found on some recovered items, but officials stressed these were preliminary details and not confirmed.
The FBI has now released surveillance photos and announced a $100,000 reward for information leading to the suspect’s identification and arrest. Over 7,000 tips have been submitted, and new footage shows a man dressed in black approaching the campus shortly before the incident, then running away minutes later.
Special Agent Robert Bohls emphasized the seriousness of the case, stating that every lead will be investigated fully. “Any attack on the First Amendment is an attack on the foundation of our democracy,” he said. The investigation remains active as officials urge the public to share any videos, images, or information that could help bring answers.
