Orem, Utah investigation continues after Charlie Kirk tragedy as suspect Zachariah Qureshi detained then released
Orem, Utah investigation continues after Charlie Kirk tragedy as suspect Zachariah Qureshi detained then released
Orem, Utah — Authorities have confirmed that a second individual, identified as Zachariah Qureshi, was taken into custody in connection with the ongoing investigation into the Utah Valley University (UVU) campus shooting that left political commentator Charlie Kirk deceased. Qureshi was later released after extensive questioning when investigators determined he had no ties to the attack.
The incident unfolded Wednesday afternoon during a student-sponsored event at UVU’s central courtyard. Thousands of students, faculty, and guests attended the gathering, which quickly descended into chaos when shots were fired from the rooftop of a nearby building. Emergency responders transported Kirk to Timpanogos Regional Hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased despite lifesaving efforts.
In the immediate aftermath, law enforcement moved quickly to secure the campus and detain possible suspects for questioning. Alongside Qureshi, another man, George Hodgson Zinn, was also briefly held. While Zinn now faces obstruction charges for unrelated conduct, both men have been cleared of any direct involvement in the shooting. Authorities emphasized that the actual suspect remains at large.
The FBI and Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS) are co-leading the investigation, working closely with the Utah County Attorney’s Office, the Utah County Sheriff’s Office, and UVU Police. Officials stressed that questioning and releasing individuals is a normal part of the investigative process, ensuring all potential leads are thoroughly explored in a case of this magnitude.
Investigators believe the shooting was targeted, with preliminary evidence pointing to gunfire originating from the rooftop of a campus building that overlooked the courtyard. This vantage point allowed the shooter to strike the event despite the presence of private security and six on-duty UVU police officers. Authorities continue to process evidence from multiple active crime scenes tied to the case.
As part of their effort, the FBI has launched a digital media tip line, encouraging the public to submit photos, videos, or other information from the event. Officials explained that such materials could be crucial in identifying the shooter’s movements and ultimately bringing the suspect into custody.
The university community remains shaken as students, faculty, and local residents grapple with the trauma of the event. UVU has announced that the campus will remain closed through the end of the week, both to give investigators time to conduct their work and to allow the community space to begin healing.
For many, the brief detention of individuals like Qureshi highlights both the complexity and urgency of the investigation. Law enforcement leaders reassured the public that releasing those without evidence against them demonstrates the fairness and diligence of the process, even as the search for the actual perpetrator continues.
State and national leaders have offered condolences to Kirk’s family, the UVU community, and all affected by the tragedy. Officials are also reminding the public that mental health support is available, urging anyone struggling emotionally to call 988, Utah’s mental health crisis line, for immediate help.
As the investigation unfolds, the spotlight remains on the unanswered questions — who carried out the targeted attack, what motivated the violence, and how quickly authorities can secure justice. For now, the release of Qureshi underscores the painstaking nature of law enforcement’s work as the community continues to grieve.
