Was Charlie Kirk's shooter arrested? Viral claim debunked as misinformation on suspect’s identity spreads online

Following the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk, a lot of misinformation about the suspect has also surfaced on social media. 

A video about a bystander spotting an alleged sniper over the roof of a nearby building went viral. At the same time, another user claimed that a 45-year-old, identified as Samson McHyde from Cleveland, was detained as a “possible shooter.”

However, the Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS) has clarified that the Charlie Kirk shooter hasn’t been arrested. 

In a recent press release, the law enforcement agency asserted that an investigation in the incident and a manhunt for the suspect are still ongoing.

It also confirmed that two people – identified as George Zinn and Zachariah Qureshi – were detained, but “there are no current ties to the shooting with either of these individuals.”

The subject in custody has been released after an interrogation by law enforcement. Our investigation continues and we will continue to release information in interest of transparency https://t.co/YXsG6YpFR5

— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) September 10, 2025

Zinn was initially considered a suspect, but was later released after UVU (Utah Valley University) police charged him with obstruction of justice.

At the same time, Qureshi was let go after an interrogation. Kash Patel, the Director of the FBI, also provided an update on the situation in a tweet, as he shared that the “subject for the horrific shooting” was in custody.

However, he later wrote in another X post: 

“The subject in custody has been released after an interrogation by law enforcement. Our investigation continues and we will continue to release information in interest of transparency.” 

The search operation and investigation are still underway, as the FBI and Utah DPS are co-leading the case. 

Trump describes the shooting of Charlie Kirk as “a dark moment for America” 

The conservative activist was on stage at Utah Valley University when he was fatally shot during his debate with the crowd. It was initially reported that Charlie Kirk was in critical condition, and many, including U.S.

President Trump, shared their concern on social media. However, POTUS later confirmed Kirk’s death in another Truth Social post, as he wrote: 

“The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie.” 

Trump continued: 

“He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!”

Hours after announcing Charlie Kirk’s death, Donald Trump addressed the U.S. citizens in a video message.

The president asserted that he was “filled with grief and anger” after the assassination of the political activist. He said (via BBC): 

“Charlie inspired millions and tonight all who knew him and loved him are united in shock and horror. Charlie is a patriot who devoted his life to the cause of open debate and the country that he loves so much, the United States of America.” 

Trump described Kirk as a “model for truth and freedom,” saying he was “a man of deep, deep faith.” He acknowledged the grief of Kirk’s family and added: 

“This is a dark moment for America.” 

During his video address, Trump blamed the radical left for the political violence and vowed: 

“[Trump administration will] find each and every one of those who contributed to this atrocity and to other political violence.” 

Previously, Trump had announced that all American Flags across the U.S. would be lowered to half-mast until Sunday at 6 P.M. to honor Charlie Kirk.