A police officer stands in front of a tent bearing the slogan 'The American Comeback Tour', cordoned off after U.S. right-wing activist, commentator, Charlie Kirk, an ally of U.S. President Donald Trump, was fatally shot during an event at Utah Valley University, in Orem, Utah, U.S. September 10, 2025. REUTERS/Jim Urquhart
Utah Governor Spencer Cox speaks at a press conference after U.S. right-wing activist, commentator, Charlie Kirk, an ally of U.S. President Donald Trump, was fatally shot during an event at Utah Valley University, in Orem, Utah, U.S. September 10, 2025. REUTERS/Jim Urquhart

(Reuters) - Officials investigating the fatal shooting on Wednesday of conservative activist Charlie Kirk gave conflicting accounts as to whether the suspected shooter was in custody, with FBI Director Kash Patel saying a subject was in custody and local police officials saying the shooter was at large.

Patel said on X that "the subject" was in custody.

Shortly after that, Beau Mason, the head of the Utah Department of Public Safety, said the suspect was still at large.

“While the suspect is at large we believe this was a targeted attack,” he said.

Utah Governor Spencer Cox said a "person of interest" was in custody.

(Reporting by Jasper Ward and Costas Pitas; Editing by Scott Malone)