Overview

• Kirk, 31, was shot by a single bullet while speaking during a Q&A at Utah Valley University, in what authorities called a targeted attack carried out from a rooftop.
• FBI Director Kash Patel said a suspect who was detained in the case has been released after interrogation, and the multi‑agency investigation remains active.
• Snopes verified that Kirk made the 2023 statement at a TPUSA Faith event in Salt Lake City, with archived video and audio confirming the quote.
• Moments before the shooting, an audience member questioned Kirk about mass shootings and transgender shooters, to which he replied, “Too many,” according to reporters’ accounts.
• Political responses have ranged from condolences by President Donald Trump, Joe Biden and Barack Obama to backlash against officials who shared the resurfaced clip, including a Fort Worth councilwoman and a Michigan judge.