FBI releases second person of interest in Charlie Kirk fatal shooting at Utah Valley University; gunman still at large

The FBI has released a second person of interest in the fatal shooting of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University, according to FBI Director Kash Patel. The gunman remains at large following Wednesday's, September 10, campus shooting.

"The subject in custody has been released after an interrogation by law enforcement," Patel announced Wednesday evening. "Our investigation continues and we will continue to release information in interest of transparency."

Also read: Charlie Kirk shooting video goes viral on social media as US President reveals conservative activist healt

Investigation continues after initial arrest announcement

The release came less than two hours after Patel initially announced on social media that Kirk's killer had been captured. Law enforcement officials and Utah Governor Spencer Cox had held a press conference stating that security footage led them to the person of interest.

The released individual was reportedly a witness to the shooting who had attended Kirk's campus event. The person's mother told reporters her son was "super shaken" by witnessing the shooting and subsequent detention.

"He's a great kid," the mother said. "I have a picture of him. He's like 25-feet from Charlie on the other side that he was shot. He sent us a video."

Released person of interest was Kirk supporter

The person of interest was identified as a Charlie Kirk supporter who had traveled to the Utah Valley campus specifically to attend the event.

"He was attending like any other college kid. He listens to him," the mother said.

This marks the second individual detained and released in connection with Kirk's death. An earlier person of interest, described as an older man, was also cleared by investigators after initial detention.

Kirk, 31, was shot at Utah Valley University just after noon local time Wednesday during a campus appearance.

Also read: Who is Charlie Kirk? Here's all about the college drop-out who rose to being prominent right-wing activist

FBI continues active investigation

Law enforcement agencies continue their search for the shooter. The FBI has indicated it will provide updates as the investigation progresses.