By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/hannah-schoenbaum">HANNAH SCHOENBAUM</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/alanna-durkin-richer">ALANNA DURKIN RICHER</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/mark-sherman">MARK SHERMAN</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/eric-tucker">ERIC TUCKER</a>

OREM, Utah (AP) — Authorities searched on Thursday for a sniper who assassinated&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-shooting-utah-university-republicans-8357c3d102de09e3320fde761258131a">Charlie Kirk</a>, a conservative activist and close ally of President Donald Trump, with one bullet and then slipped away amid the mayhem resulting from the latest act of political violence to befall America.

Kirk was killed with a gunshot from a distant rooftop at the Utah Valley University campus, where he was speaking on Wednesday, authorities said. Federal, state and local authorities were working what they called “multiple active crime scenes." As the search stretched into a second day, they provided little information about the shooter’s identity, motive, location or evidence and were reviewing grainy security videos of a mysterious person in dark clothing.

“This is a dark day for our state. It’s a tragic day for our nation,"&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/spencer-cox">Utah Gov. Spencer Cox</a>&nbsp;said. "I want to be very clear this is a political assassination.”

Two people were detained Wednesday, but neither was determined to be connected to the shooting and both were released, public safety officials said.

The circumstances of the shooting drew renewed attention to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/political-violence-assassination-minnesota-trump-3c750cff0749633872ab6101bfa23b23">an escalating threat of political violence</a>&nbsp;in the United States that in the last several years has cut across the ideological spectrum. The assassination drew bipartisan condemnation, but a national reckoning over ways to prevent political grievances from manifesting as deadly violence seemed elusive.

Videos posted to social media from Utah Valley University show Kirk speaking into a handheld microphone while sitting under a white tent emblazoned with the slogans “The American Comeback” and “Prove Me Wrong.” A shot rings out, and Kirk can be seen reaching up with his right hand as blood gushes from the left side of his neck. Stunned spectators gasp and scream before people start running away.

Vice President JD Vance and his wife, Usha, were set to visit with Kirk’s family on Thursday in Salt Lake City. According to a person familiar with Vance’s plans but not authorized to speak about them publicly, the Vances will visit Utah instead of New York, which had been their planned destination for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/911-attacks-anniversary-world-trade-center-0c2af6068dd5f1cc9f71a56c8a1c0c83">an outdoor ceremony to commemorate Sept. 11</a>.

Vance posted a lengthy remembrance on X chronicling the origins of their friendship, dating back to initial messages in 2017, through Vance’s run for the Senate and ultimately praying after hearing of the shooting. Through the years, Vance wrote, Kirk checked in and played a pivotal role in setting up the second Trump administration.

“So much of the success we’ve had in this administration traces directly to Charlie’s ability to organize and convene,” Vance wrote. “He didn’t just help us win in 2024, he helped us staff the entire government.”

Kirk was taking questions about gun violence

Kirk was speaking at a debate hosted by his nonprofit political youth organization, Arizona-based Turning Point USA, at the Sorensen Center courtyard on campus. Immediately before the shooting, Kirk was taking questions from an audience member about mass shootings and gun violence.

“Do you know how many transgender Americans have been mass shooters over the last 10 years?” the person asked. Kirk responded, “Too many.”

The questioner followed up: “Do you know how many mass shooters there have been in America over the last 10 years?”

“Counting or not counting gang violence?” Kirk asked.

The shooter, who Cox pledged would be held accountable in a state with the death penalty, wore dark clothing and fired from a building roof some distance away.

Madison Lattin was watching only a few dozen feet from Kirk’s left when she said she heard the bullet hit Kirk.

“Blood is falling and dripping down and you’re just like so scared, not just for him but your own safety,” she said.

She said she saw people drop to the ground in an eerie silence pierced immediately by cries. Lattin ran while others splashed through decorative pools to get away. Some fell and were trampled in the stampede. People lost their shoes, backpacks, folding chairs and water bottles in the frenzy.

When Lattin later learned that Kirk had died, she said she wept, describing him as a role model who had showed her how to be determined and fight for the truth.

Some 3,000 people were in attendance, according to a statement from the Utah Department of Public Safety. The university police department had six officers working the event, along with Kirk’s own security detail, authorities said.

Trump announced the death on social media and praised the 31-year-old Kirk who was co-founder and CEO of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-shutdown-charlie-kirk-turning-point-afb64a04493ddf44df3b7338536a6524">Turning Point</a>&nbsp;as “Great, and even Legendary.” Later Wednesday, he released a recorded video from the White House in which he called Kirk a “martyr for truth and freedom” and blamed the rhetoric of the “radical left” for the killing.

Utah Valley University said the campus was immediately evacuated after the shooting, with officers escorting people to safety. It will be closed until Monday.

Meanwhile, armed officers walked around the neighborhood bordering the campus, knocking on doors and asking for any information residents might have on the shooting. Helicopters buzzed overhead.

Wednesday’s event, billed as the first stop on Kirk’s “The American Comeback Tour,” had generated a polarizing campus reaction. An online petition calling for university administrators to bar Kirk from appearing received nearly 1,000 signatures. The university issued a statement last week citing First Amendment rights and affirming its “commitment to free speech, intellectual inquiry, and constructive dialogue.”

Last week, Kirk posted on X images of news clips showing his visit was sparking controversy. He wrote, “What’s going on in Utah?”

Condemnation from across the political spectrum

The shooting drew&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-shooting-political-violence-reaction-87f6755421938d0a0d7c5905be10767f">swift condemnation</a>&nbsp;across the political aisle as Democratic officials joined Trump, who ordered flags lowered to half-staff and issued a presidential proclamation, and Republican allies of Kirk in decrying the violence.

“The attack on Charlie Kirk is disgusting, vile, and reprehensible,” Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who last March hosted Kirk on his podcast, posted on X.

“The murder of Charlie Kirk breaks my heart. My deepest sympathies are with his wife, two young children, and friends,” said Gabrielle Giffords, the former Democratic congresswoman&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-0ee455e480004cbeae7dc716da2a0ddd">who was wounded in a 2011 shooting</a>&nbsp;in her Arizona district.

The shooting appeared poised to become part of a spike of political violence that has touched a range of ideologies and representatives of both major parties. The attacks include the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-lawmakers-killed-congress-violence-1e6a061c4265b0136ebb058a2777b85f">assassination of a Minnesota state lawmaker and her husband</a>&nbsp;at their house in June, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boulder-colorado-attack-soliman-israel-hostages-8110fb3abd3da90f36c3d970f4c26f5b">firebombing of a Colorado parade to demand Hamas release hostages</a>, and a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pennsylvania-governor-mansion-fire-cody-balmer-cd896e2bb8f5a00a73b07b9f1013df93">fire set at the house of Pennsylvania’s governor</a>, who is Jewish, in April. The most notorious of these events is the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-butler-assassination-attempt-54f385fbdac215b89c6df047fa399039">shooting of Trump during a campaign rally last year</a>.

Former Utah Congressman Jason Chaffetz, who was at Wednesday’s event, told the Fox News Channel that he didn’t believe Kirk had enough security.

“Utah is one of the safest places on the planet,” he said. “And so we just don’t have these types of things.”

Turning Point was founded in suburban Chicago in 2012 by Kirk, then 18, and William Montgomery, a tea party activist, to proselytize on college campuses for low taxes and limited government. It was not an immediate success.

But Kirk’s zeal for confronting liberals in academia eventually won over an influential set of conservative financiers.

Despite early misgivings,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-turning-point-voter-mobilization-musk-07286c2572b02aafefdda1cda093e788">Turning Point</a>&nbsp;enthusiastically backed Trump after he clinched the GOP nomination in 2016. Kirk served as a personal aide to Donald Trump Jr., the president’s eldest son, during the general election campaign.

Soon, Kirk was a regular presence on cable TV, where he leaned into the culture wars and heaped praise on the then-president. Trump and his son were equally effusive and often spoke at Turning Point conferences.

Richer and Sherman reported from Washington. Associated Press writers Nicholas Riccardi in Denver; Michael Biesecker, Brian Slodysko, Lindsay Whitehurst and Michelle L. Price in Washington; Jesse Bedayn in Orem, Utah; and Hallie Golden in Seattle contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757541335583.png" alt="Police respond to the scene of the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk, who was speaking during an event at Utah Valley University in Orem on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch)" />
 <figcaption>Police respond to the scene of the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk, who was speaking during an event at Utah Valley University in Orem on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch)</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/hannah-schoenbaum">HANNAH SCHOENBAUM</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/alanna-durkin-richer">ALANNA DURKIN RICHER</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/mark-sherman">MARK SHERMAN</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/eric-tucker">ERIC TUCKER</a>OREM, Utah (AP) — Authorities searched on Thursday for a sniper who assassinated&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-shooting-utah-university-republicans-8357c3d102de09e3320fde761258131a">Charlie Kirk</a>, a conservative activist and close ally of President Donald Trump, with one bullet and then slipped away amid the mayhem resulting from the latest act of political violence to befall America.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The FBI has created a digital media tip line seeking information regarding the shooting at Utah Valley University that took place on September 10, 2025: <a href="https://t.co/aNUqciEesp">https://t.co/aNUqciEesp</a>&mdash; FBI Salt Lake City (@FBISaltLakeCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/FBISaltLakeCity/status/1965906435054694671?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The FBI is working alongside our local and state law enforcement partners in Utah to fully investigate and seek justice in the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. Anyone with information, photos, and video from the incident can help the FBI identity more… <a href="https://t.co/JEQ22lIwfv">pic.twitter.com/JEQ22lIwfv</a>&mdash; FBI (@FBI) <a href="https://twitter.com/FBI/status/1965962302458417304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Kirk was killed with a gunshot from a distant rooftop at the Utah Valley University campus, where he was speaking on Wednesday, authorities said. Federal, state and local authorities were working what they called “multiple active crime scenes." As the search stretched into a second day, they provided little information about the shooter’s identity, motive, location or evidence and were reviewing grainy security videos of a mysterious person in dark clothing.“This is a dark day for our state. It’s a tragic day for our nation,"&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/spencer-cox">Utah Gov. Spencer Cox</a>&nbsp;said. "I want to be very clear this is a political assassination.”Two people were detained Wednesday, but neither was determined to be connected to the shooting and both were released, public safety officials said.The circumstances of the shooting drew renewed attention to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/political-violence-assassination-minnesota-trump-3c750cff0749633872ab6101bfa23b23">an escalating threat of political violence</a>&nbsp;in the United States that in the last several years has cut across the ideological spectrum. The assassination drew bipartisan condemnation, but a national reckoning over ways to prevent political grievances from manifesting as deadly violence seemed elusive.Videos posted to social media from Utah Valley University show Kirk speaking into a handheld microphone while sitting under a white tent emblazoned with the slogans “The American Comeback” and “Prove Me Wrong.” A shot rings out, and Kirk can be seen reaching up with his right hand as blood gushes from the left side of his neck. Stunned spectators gasp and scream before people start running away.Vice President JD Vance and his wife, Usha, were set to visit with Kirk’s family on Thursday in Salt Lake City. According to a person familiar with Vance’s plans but not authorized to speak about them publicly, the Vances will visit Utah instead of New York, which had been their planned destination for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/911-attacks-anniversary-world-trade-center-0c2af6068dd5f1cc9f71a56c8a1c0c83">an outdoor ceremony to commemorate Sept. 11</a>.Vance posted a lengthy remembrance on X chronicling the origins of their friendship, dating back to initial messages in 2017, through Vance’s run for the Senate and ultimately praying after hearing of the shooting. Through the years, Vance wrote, Kirk checked in and played a pivotal role in setting up the second Trump administration.“So much of the success we’ve had in this administration traces directly to Charlie’s ability to organize and convene,” Vance wrote. “He didn’t just help us win in 2024, he helped us staff the entire government.”<h2>Kirk was taking questions about gun violence</h2>Kirk was speaking at a debate hosted by his nonprofit political youth organization, Arizona-based Turning Point USA, at the Sorensen Center courtyard on campus. Immediately before the shooting, Kirk was taking questions from an audience member about mass shootings and gun violence.“Do you know how many transgender Americans have been mass shooters over the last 10 years?” the person asked. Kirk responded, “Too many.”The questioner followed up: “Do you know how many mass shooters there have been in America over the last 10 years?”“Counting or not counting gang violence?” Kirk asked.Then a single shot rang out.The shooter, who Cox pledged would be held accountable in a state with the death penalty, wore dark clothing and fired from a building roof some distance away.Madison Lattin was watching only a few dozen feet from Kirk’s left when she said she heard the bullet hit Kirk.“Blood is falling and dripping down and you’re just like so scared, not just for him but your own safety,” she said.She said she saw people drop to the ground in an eerie silence pierced immediately by cries. Lattin ran while others splashed through decorative pools to get away. Some fell and were trampled in the stampede. People lost their shoes, backpacks, folding chairs and water bottles in the frenzy.When Lattin later learned that Kirk had died, she said she wept, describing him as a role model who had showed her how to be determined and fight for the truth.<h2>Trump calls Kirk ‘martyr for truth’</h2>Some 3,000 people were in attendance, according to a statement from the Utah Department of Public Safety. The university police department had six officers working the event, along with Kirk’s own security detail, authorities said.Trump announced the death on social media and praised the 31-year-old Kirk who was co-founder and CEO of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-shutdown-charlie-kirk-turning-point-afb64a04493ddf44df3b7338536a6524">Turning Point</a>&nbsp;as “Great, and even Legendary.” Later Wednesday, he released a recorded video from the White House in which he called Kirk a “martyr for truth and freedom” and blamed the rhetoric of the “radical left” for the killing.Utah Valley University said the campus was immediately evacuated after the shooting, with officers escorting people to safety. It will be closed until Monday.Meanwhile, armed officers walked around the neighborhood bordering the campus, knocking on doors and asking for any information residents might have on the shooting. Helicopters buzzed overhead.Wednesday’s event, billed as the first stop on Kirk’s “The American Comeback Tour,” had generated a polarizing campus reaction. An online petition calling for university administrators to bar Kirk from appearing received nearly 1,000 signatures. The university issued a statement last week citing First Amendment rights and affirming its “commitment to free speech, intellectual inquiry, and constructive dialogue.”Last week, Kirk posted on X images of news clips showing his visit was sparking controversy. He wrote, “What’s going on in Utah?”<h2>Condemnation from across the political spectrum</h2>The shooting drew&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-shooting-political-violence-reaction-87f6755421938d0a0d7c5905be10767f">swift condemnation</a>&nbsp;across the political aisle as Democratic officials joined Trump, who ordered flags lowered to half-staff and issued a presidential proclamation, and Republican allies of Kirk in decrying the violence.“The attack on Charlie Kirk is disgusting, vile, and reprehensible,” Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who last March hosted Kirk on his podcast, posted on X.“The murder of Charlie Kirk breaks my heart. My deepest sympathies are with his wife, two young children, and friends,” said Gabrielle Giffords, the former Democratic congresswoman&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-0ee455e480004cbeae7dc716da2a0ddd">who was wounded in a 2011 shooting</a>&nbsp;in her Arizona district.The shooting appeared poised to become part of a spike of political violence that has touched a range of ideologies and representatives of both major parties. The attacks include the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-lawmakers-killed-congress-violence-1e6a061c4265b0136ebb058a2777b85f">assassination of a Minnesota state lawmaker and her husband</a>&nbsp;at their house in June, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boulder-colorado-attack-soliman-israel-hostages-8110fb3abd3da90f36c3d970f4c26f5b">firebombing of a Colorado parade to demand Hamas release hostages</a>, and a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pennsylvania-governor-mansion-fire-cody-balmer-cd896e2bb8f5a00a73b07b9f1013df93">fire set at the house of Pennsylvania’s governor</a>, who is Jewish, in April. The most notorious of these events is the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-butler-assassination-attempt-54f385fbdac215b89c6df047fa399039">shooting of Trump during a campaign rally last year</a>.Former Utah Congressman Jason Chaffetz, who was at Wednesday’s event, told the Fox News Channel that he didn’t believe Kirk had enough security.“Utah is one of the safest places on the planet,” he said. “And so we just don’t have these types of things.”Turning Point was founded in suburban Chicago in 2012 by Kirk, then 18, and William Montgomery, a tea party activist, to proselytize on college campuses for low taxes and limited government. It was not an immediate success.But Kirk’s zeal for confronting liberals in academia eventually won over an influential set of conservative financiers.Despite early misgivings,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-turning-point-voter-mobilization-musk-07286c2572b02aafefdda1cda093e788">Turning Point</a>&nbsp;enthusiastically backed Trump after he clinched the GOP nomination in 2016. Kirk served as a personal aide to Donald Trump Jr., the president’s eldest son, during the general election campaign.Soon, Kirk was a regular presence on cable TV, where he leaned into the culture wars and heaped praise on the then-president. Trump and his son were equally effusive and often spoke at Turning Point conferences.___Richer and Sherman reported from Washington. Associated Press writers Nicholas Riccardi in Denver; Michael Biesecker, Brian Slodysko, Lindsay Whitehurst and Michelle L. Price in Washington; Jesse Bedayn in Orem, Utah; and Hallie Golden in Seattle contributed to this report.

Shooter still at large: Conservative activist Charlie Kirk assassinated in Utah

JOHNSON COUNTY– Law enforcement investigating felony retail theft released security camera images of the suspects on Wednesday.

Just after 7:p.m. on September 2 and again at 1:14p.m. September 3, 2025, the suspect shown in security camera images entered a retail establishment located at W. 135th and Metcalf Avenue in Overland Park and selected athletic apparel before exiting the store without paying, according to Officer john Lacy.

The suspects were seen leaving the business in a gray Honda Accord displaying a Missouri temporary license plate on September 2nd and a maroon Jeep Cherokee displaying a Missouri temporary license plate on September 3rd. 

The Overland Park Police Department is urging anyone with information about the identity of these individuals to please contact the Overland Park Police Department at 913-344-8729 or the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757554046290.png" alt="Photo Overland Park Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Overland Park Police</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY– Law enforcement investigating felony retail theft released security camera images of the suspects on Wednesday.Just after 7:p.m. on September 2 and again at 1:14p.m. September 3, 2025, the suspect shown in security camera images entered a retail establishment located at W. 135th and Metcalf Avenue in Overland Park and selected athletic apparel before exiting the store without paying, according to Officer john Lacy.The suspects were seen leaving the business in a gray Honda Accord displaying a Missouri temporary license plate on September 2nd and a maroon Jeep Cherokee displaying a Missouri temporary license plate on September 3rd. The Overland Park Police Department is urging anyone with information about the identity of these individuals to please contact the Overland Park Police Department at 913-344-8729 or the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS.

Police ask for help to ID Kan. felony theft suspects

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-conservative-activist-shot-546165a8151104e0938a5e085be1e8bd">Conservative activist Charlie Kirk</a>&nbsp;was killed by a single shot in a targeted attack during an outdoor event Wednesday at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-conservative-activist-shot-546165a8151104e0938a5e085be1e8bd">Utah Valley University</a>, authorities said.

Kirk co-founded the conservative youth organization&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-shutdown-charlie-kirk-turning-point-afb64a04493ddf44df3b7338536a6524">Turning Point USA</a>&nbsp;and was a close ally of President Donald Trump.

On his social media page,&nbsp;Harrison Butker, kicker for the Kansas City Chiefs and known for his conservative views reacted to Kirk's death.

No one was in custody Thursday morning as authorities seek a new person of interest in the assassination, according to a law enforcement official who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the ongoing investigation. The Utah Department of Public Safety also confirmed no one was in custody in the investigation into Kirk’s killing.

“This is a dark day for our state. It’s a tragic day for our nation,” said Utah Gov. Spencer Cox. “I want to be very clear this is a political assassination.”

The shooting comes amid a spike in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-shooting-political-violence-reaction-87f6755421938d0a0d7c5905be10767f">attacks on political figures</a>&nbsp;in the United States across all parts of the ideological spectrum.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757551583450.png" alt="File photo Charlie Kirk in the Oval Office-image courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>File photo Charlie Kirk in the Oval Office-image courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-conservative-activist-shot-546165a8151104e0938a5e085be1e8bd">Conservative activist Charlie Kirk</a>&nbsp;was killed by a single shot in a targeted attack during an outdoor event Wednesday at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-conservative-activist-shot-546165a8151104e0938a5e085be1e8bd">Utah Valley University</a>, authorities said.Kirk co-founded the conservative youth organization&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-shutdown-charlie-kirk-turning-point-afb64a04493ddf44df3b7338536a6524">Turning Point USA</a>&nbsp;and was a close ally of President Donald Trump.On his social media page,&nbsp;Harrison Butker, kicker for the Kansas City Chiefs and known for his conservative views reacted to Kirk's death.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Thank you for your strong witness for Christ <a href="https://twitter.com/charliekirk11?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@charliekirk11</a>. Thank you for pursuing truth and leading your family as a husband and father. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their soul and the souls of all the faithful departed,…&mdash; Harrison Butker (@buttkicker7) <a href="https://twitter.com/buttkicker7/status/1965882704643416373?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>No one was in custody Thursday morning as authorities seek a new person of interest in the assassination, according to a law enforcement official who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the ongoing investigation. The Utah Department of Public Safety also confirmed no one was in custody in the investigation into Kirk’s killing.“This is a dark day for our state. It’s a tragic day for our nation,” said Utah Gov. Spencer Cox. “I want to be very clear this is a political assassination.”The shooting comes amid a spike in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-shooting-political-violence-reaction-87f6755421938d0a0d7c5905be10767f">attacks on political figures</a>&nbsp;in the United States across all parts of the ideological spectrum.

KC Chiefs' star issues statement on death of Charlie Kirk

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sherman-smith/">SHERMAN SMITH</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflecto</a>r

TOPEKA — Kansas education commissioner Randy Watson announced Wednesday he plans to retire from the position he has held since 2014.

Watson said he will remain in the position until the Kansas State Board of Education hires a new commissioner.

“For 10 years, it’s been my pleasure to serve the board,” Watson said in a news release following Wednesday’s board meeting, where he made the announcement. “They’ve done remarkable work and have had many accomplishments over that time. I’m proud to have been a small part of that.”

Board chair Cathy Hopkins praised Watson for bringing stability to the board.

“He’s always asking, ‘How can I make this board function on behalf of Kansas education as its best possible peak?’ He exemplifies that so well,” Hopkins said.

The news release said Watson helped lead initiatives to improve literacy, strengthen the accreditation system for K-12 schools, and redesign schools to meet student needs and create stronger pathways for post-graduation success. He also visited all 286 school districts multiple times during his time as commissioner, the news release said.

Watson received widespread attention in 2022 for making&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/02/24/worry-about-the-indians-raiding-kansas-education-commissioner-under-fire-for-conference-joke/">insensitive comments</a>&nbsp;about American Indians during an online education conference. The board suspended him for a month without pay, and&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/04/12/kansas-education-commissioner-publicly-apologizes-for-racist-story-on-native-americans/">he apologized</a>&nbsp;for the remarks.

Before he was named education commissioner, Watson was the superintendent for McPherson public schools. His also has experience as a teacher, principal and coach.

The Coffeyville native earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees and a doctorate from Kansas State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584484524519.png" alt="File photo Dr. Randy Watson" />
 <figcaption>File photo Dr. Randy Watson</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sherman-smith/">SHERMAN SMITH</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflecto</a>rTOPEKA — Kansas education commissioner Randy Watson announced Wednesday he plans to retire from the position he has held since 2014.Watson said he will remain in the position until the Kansas State Board of Education hires a new commissioner.“For 10 years, it’s been my pleasure to serve the board,” Watson said in a news release following Wednesday’s board meeting, where he made the announcement. “They’ve done remarkable work and have had many accomplishments over that time. I’m proud to have been a small part of that.”Board chair Cathy Hopkins praised Watson for bringing stability to the board.“He’s always asking, ‘How can I make this board function on behalf of Kansas education as its best possible peak?’ He exemplifies that so well,” Hopkins said.The news release said Watson helped lead initiatives to improve literacy, strengthen the accreditation system for K-12 schools, and redesign schools to meet student needs and create stronger pathways for post-graduation success. He also visited all 286 school districts multiple times during his time as commissioner, the news release said.Watson received widespread attention in 2022 for making&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/02/24/worry-about-the-indians-raiding-kansas-education-commissioner-under-fire-for-conference-joke/">insensitive comments</a>&nbsp;about American Indians during an online education conference. The board suspended him for a month without pay, and&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/04/12/kansas-education-commissioner-publicly-apologizes-for-racist-story-on-native-americans/">he apologized</a>&nbsp;for the remarks.Before he was named education commissioner, Watson was the superintendent for McPherson public schools. His also has experience as a teacher, principal and coach.The Coffeyville native earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees and a doctorate from Kansas State University.

Kansas education commissioner announces retirement

BARTON COUNTY—Law enforcement investigating a fatal hit-and-run in Barton County have arrested three juveniles.

Just after 6:30p.m. on Wednesday, the Barton County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to a reported hit-and-run accident in the 100 block of Chisholm Trail, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir. This location is at the extreme southeast corner of the city of Great Bend just outside city limits

First responders discovered a male victim identified as 58-year-old&nbsp;Curtis Scott Cregger of Great Bend. He lived in the area and had&nbsp;been struck by a motor vehicle.

Officers immediately began CPR and other lifesaving measures in an attempt to aid the victim. He was transported to the hospital in Great Bend and was later pronounced deceased.&nbsp;

Investigation at the scene as well as witness statements indicated the possibility this was an intentional act. The Sheriff’s Office is investigating this incident as a homicide.

At 10:30a.m. Thursday, a Sheriff’s deputy stopped a vehicle near the intersection of Broadway at Jackson Street in the city of Great Bend. The vehicle matched the description provided by witnesses in the hit-and-run fatality from last night. Further investigation confirmed this was the vehicle involved. The 17-year-old juvenile driver was taken into custody at the scene. With assistance from the Great Bend Police Department two passengers who were in the vehicle at the time of the collision were also located and arrested. Both are juveniles aged 17 and 14.

After consultation with the Barton County Attorney Colin Reynolds, the driver has been charged with murder in the 2nd degree the two passengers were charged with accessory to murder in the 2nd degree, according to Bellendir.

BARTON COUNTY —Deputies from the Barton County Sheriff's Office and officers from the Great Bend Police Department spent several hours Wednesday evening searching for a vehicle involved in a fatal hit-and-run accident near 2nd Street and Chisholm Trail, just outside the east Great Bend city limits.

Deputies initially responded to the incident at approximately 6:40 p.m. One person was found deceased at the scene, and the driver of the suspect vehicle left the scene before officers arrived. 

Authorities checked video cameras from several area businesses and issued a "be on the lookout" for a dark pick-up truck with heavy front-end damage.

BARTON COUNTY—Law enforcement investigating a fatal hit-and-run in Barton County have arrested three juveniles.Just after 6:30p.m. on Wednesday, the Barton County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to a reported hit-and-run accident in the 100 block of Chisholm Trail, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir. This location is at the extreme southeast corner of the city of Great Bend just outside city limitsFirst responders discovered a male victim identified as 58-year-old&nbsp;Curtis Scott Cregger of Great Bend. He lived in the area and had&nbsp;been struck by a motor vehicle.Officers immediately began CPR and other lifesaving measures in an attempt to aid the victim. He was transported to the hospital in Great Bend and was later pronounced deceased.&nbsp;Investigation at the scene as well as witness statements indicated the possibility this was an intentional act. The Sheriff’s Office is investigating this incident as a homicide.At 10:30a.m. Thursday, a Sheriff’s deputy stopped a vehicle near the intersection of Broadway at Jackson Street in the city of Great Bend. The vehicle matched the description provided by witnesses in the hit-and-run fatality from last night. Further investigation confirmed this was the vehicle involved. The 17-year-old juvenile driver was taken into custody at the scene. With assistance from the Great Bend Police Department two passengers who were in the vehicle at the time of the collision were also located and arrested. Both are juveniles aged 17 and 14.After consultation with the Barton County Attorney Colin Reynolds, the driver has been charged with murder in the 2nd degree the two passengers were charged with accessory to murder in the 2nd degree, according to Bellendir.----------BARTON COUNTY —Deputies from the Barton County Sheriff's Office and officers from the Great Bend Police Department spent several hours Wednesday evening searching for a vehicle involved in a fatal hit-and-run accident near 2nd Street and Chisholm Trail, just outside the east Great Bend city limits.Deputies initially responded to the incident at approximately 6:40 p.m. One person was found deceased at the scene, and the driver of the suspect vehicle left the scene before officers arrived. Authorities checked video cameras from several area businesses and issued a "be on the lookout" for a dark pick-up truck with heavy front-end damage.Police released no additional details.

Sheriff: Teens arrested in fatal Kansas hit-and-run

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump shares a message on the assassination of Charlie Kirk. “I ask all Americans to commit themselves to the American values for which Charlie Kirk lived &amp; died. The values of free speech, citizenship, the rule of law &amp; the patriotic devotion &amp; love of God.” <a href="https://t.co/3fBSgs4Zxa">pic.twitter.com/3fBSgs4Zxa</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1965946655188070750?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥President Trump's message on the assassination of Charlie Kirk

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office detention deputy was arrested Sept. 9, 2025, in Hutchinson on a charge of sexual exploitation of a child, according to a statement from the Sheriff's office.

 The Hutchinson Police Department took 31-year-old Travis Scott Haydon of Hutchinson into custody in connection with the case.

Haydon was booked into the Reno County Jail, where he remains in custody. Upon learning of his arrest, the Sheriff’s Office placed Haydon on administrative leave. He has been employed at the Sedgwick County Adult Detention Facility since January 2024.

The Hutchinson Police Department is conducting the criminal investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757540710949.jpeg" alt="Travis Haydon Photo&nbsp; Reno County Sheriff's Office)" />
 <figcaption>Travis Haydon Photo&nbsp; Reno County Sheriff's Office)</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office detention deputy was arrested Sept. 9, 2025, in Hutchinson on a charge of sexual exploitation of a child, according to a statement from the Sheriff's office. The Hutchinson Police Department took 31-year-old Travis Scott Haydon of Hutchinson into custody in connection with the case.Haydon was booked into the Reno County Jail, where he remains in custody. Upon learning of his arrest, the Sheriff’s Office placed Haydon on administrative leave. He has been employed at the Sedgwick County Adult Detention Facility since January 2024.The Hutchinson Police Department is conducting the criminal investigation.

Kansas detention deputy accused of child sex crimes

SEDGWICK COUNTY — The Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office has filed formal charges against Clowie Ann McLaughlin, 80, of Augusta, in connection with a deadly crash on August 30 that claimed the lives of two Wichita women.

McLaughlin is charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter while driving under the influence, severity level 4 person felonies, in the deaths of 42-year-old LaShea Bell and her daughter, 25-year-old A’Niah Bell.

The crash happened around 9:35 p.m. at the intersection of Central and Webb Road. According to Wichita police, McLaughlin’s black Chevrolet truck collided with a white BMW carrying the Bells and a gray Jeep driven by a 41-year-old man. LaShea Bell was pronounced dead at the scene, while A’Niah Bell later died at a local hospital. The Jeep driver was treated at the scene and released.

Police said speed and alcohol are believed to have been factors in the collision. McLaughlin was taken to a hospital for treatment of her own injuries and was booked into the Sedgwick County Jail after being medically cleared. She bonded out Sunday evening after posting a $100,000 bond.

McLaughlin is scheduled to make her first court appearance on Monday, September 15, at 10 a.m.

Because the investigation and legal proceedings remain ongoing, authorities say no further details will be released at this time. Officials also reminded the public that all criminal defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757541241700.png" alt="Photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — The Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office has filed formal charges against Clowie Ann McLaughlin, 80, of Augusta, in connection with a deadly crash on August 30 that claimed the lives of two Wichita women.McLaughlin is charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter while driving under the influence, severity level 4 person felonies, in the deaths of 42-year-old LaShea Bell and her daughter, 25-year-old A’Niah Bell.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1756722147795.png" alt="Clowie Ann McLaughlin (Photo courtesy Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office)&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Clowie Ann McLaughlin (Photo courtesy Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office)&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>The crash happened around 9:35 p.m. at the intersection of Central and Webb Road. According to Wichita police, McLaughlin’s black Chevrolet truck collided with a white BMW carrying the Bells and a gray Jeep driven by a 41-year-old man. LaShea Bell was pronounced dead at the scene, while A’Niah Bell later died at a local hospital. The Jeep driver was treated at the scene and released.Police said speed and alcohol are believed to have been factors in the collision. McLaughlin was taken to a hospital for treatment of her own injuries and was booked into the Sedgwick County Jail after being medically cleared. She bonded out Sunday evening after posting a $100,000 bond.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757541392417.png" alt="Photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>McLaughlin is scheduled to make her first court appearance on Monday, September 15, at 10 a.m.Because the investigation and legal proceedings remain ongoing, authorities say no further details will be released at this time. Officials also reminded the public that all criminal defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

80-year-old charged in DUI crash that killed Kan. mother, daughter 

OREM, Utah (AP) — Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist and close ally of President Donald Trump, was shot and killed Wednesday at a Utah college event in an act that drew renewed attention to the threat of political violence across the United States.

The death was announced on social media by Trump, who praised the 31-year-old Kirk, the co-founder and CEO of the youth organization&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-shutdown-charlie-kirk-turning-point-afb64a04493ddf44df3b7338536a6524">Turning Point USA</a>, as “Great, and even Legendary.”

“No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie,” Trump posted on his Truth Social account.

The suspected shooter has not been arrested, Orem, Utah, Mayor David Young said. A person who was taken into custody by law enforcement at the university where Kirk was speaking was not the suspect, according to a person familiar with the investigation who was not authorized to speak publicly.

Videos posted to social media from Utah Valley University show Kirk speaking into a handheld microphone while sitting under a white tent emblazoned with the slogans “The American Comeback” and “Prove Me Wrong.” A single shot rings out and Kirk can be seen reaching up with his right hand as a large volume of blood gushes from the left side of his neck. Stunned spectators are heard gasping and screaming before people start to run away. The AP was able to confirm the videos were taken at Sorensen Center courtyard on the Utah Valley University campus.

“We are confirming that he was shot and we are praying for Charlie,” said Aubrey Laitsch, public relations manager for Turning Point USA.

Kirk was speaking at a debate hosted by his nonprofit political organization. Immediately before the shooting, Kirk was taking questions for an audience member about mass shootings and gun violence.

“Do you know how many transgender Americans have been mass shooters over the last 10 years?” an audience members asked. Kirk responded: “Too many.”

The event had been met with divided opinions on campus. An online petition calling for university administrators to bar Kirk from appearing received nearly 1,000 signatures. The university issued a statement last week citing First Amendment rights and affirming its “commitment to free speech, intellectual inquiry, and constructive dialogue.”

Last week, Kirk posted on X images of news clips showing his visit to Utah colleges was sparking controversy. He wrote, “What’s going on in Utah?”

Trump and a host of Republican and Democratic elected officials decried the shooting and offered prayers for Kirk on social media.

“We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!” Trump posted on Truth Social.

The shooting comes amid a spike in political violence in the United States across all parts of the ideological spectrum. The attacks include the assassination of a Minnesota state lawmaker and her husband at their house in June, the firebombing of a Colorado parade to demand Hamas release hostages, and a fire set at the house of Pennsylvania’s governor, who is Jewish, in April. The most notorious of these events is the shooting of Trump during a campaign rally last year.

Former Utah congressman Jason Chaffetz, a Republican who was at the event, said in an interview on Fox News Channel that he heard one shot and saw Kirk go back.

“It seemed like it was a close shot,” Chaffetz said, who seemed shaken as he spoke.

He said there was a light police presence at the event and Kirk had some security but not enough.

Soon, Kirk was a regular presence on cable TV, where he leaned into the culture wars and heaped praise on the then-president. Trump and his son were equally effusive and often spoke at Turning Point conferences.-------------------

OREM, Utah (AP) — Charlie Kirk, the CEO and co-founder of the conservative youth organization&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-shutdown-charlie-kirk-turning-point-afb64a04493ddf44df3b7338536a6524">Turning Point USA</a>&nbsp;and a close ally of President Donald Trump, was in critical condition at a Utah hospital Wednesday after being shot at a college event, a law enforcement official told The Associated Press.

A person who was taken into custody at Utah Valley University was not the suspect, according to a person familiar with the investigation who was not authorized to speak publicly. It was not clear if authorities were still searching the campus for a suspect.

Kirk was speaking at a debate hosted by his nonprofit political organization. The event had been met with divided opinions on campus. An online petition calling for university administrators to bar Kirk from appearing received nearly 1,000 signatures. The university issued a statement last week citing First Amendment rights and affirming its “commitment to free speech, intellectual inquiry, and constructive dialogue.”

The college said a “single shot” had been fired at Kirk and a suspect was in custody.

OREM, Utah (AP) — Charlie Kirk, the CEO and co-founder of the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA, was shot Wednesday at an event at a Utah college, Turning Point said.

Kirk was attending an event at Utah Valley University.

The shooting comes amid a spike in political violence in the United States across all parts of the ideological spectrum. The attacks include the assassination of a Minnesota state lawmaker and her husband at their house in June, the firebombing of a Colorado parade to demand Hamas release hostages, and a fire set at the house of Pennsylvania’s governor, who is Jewish, in April. The most notorious of these events is the shooting of President Donald Trump during a campaign rally last year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757539632054.png" alt="Charlie Kirk photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Charlie Kirk photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>OREM, Utah (AP) — Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist and close ally of President Donald Trump, was shot and killed Wednesday at a Utah college event in an act that drew renewed attention to the threat of political violence across the United States.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Charlie Kirk was a father, husband, son and a voice for young conservatives. He was a man of faith who deeply loved his country. His murder is an appalling act of violence, and I am heartbroken for his wife, children and loved ones. Please pray for the Kirk family and our…&mdash; Senator Jerry Moran (@JerryMoran) <a href="https://twitter.com/JerryMoran/status/1965909915781709863?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">In honor of Charlie Kirk, President Trump is ordering all American flags throughout the U.S. to be lowered to Half Mast. <a href="https://t.co/FOYHIZU2FD">pic.twitter.com/FOYHIZU2FD</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1965885627116966045?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">&quot;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. 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… <a href="https://t.co/aM8Pz3TKml">pic.twitter.com/aM8Pz3TKml</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1965880535659470994?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Psalms 34:18: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1965888011192893625?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Please pray for Charlie Kirk and his family.&mdash; Tracey Mann (@RepMann) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepMann/status/1965854972349919555?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The loss of Charlie Kirk will be felt by all corners of the conservative movement. Charlie touched the lives of many people -– but most of all, America&#39;s youth. His bright spirit and determination to bring about a better future for his children and his fellow Americans will…&mdash; Rep. Ron Estes (@RepRonEstes) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepRonEstes/status/1965887318423908505?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The death was announced on social media by Trump, who praised the 31-year-old Kirk, the co-founder and CEO of the youth organization&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-shutdown-charlie-kirk-turning-point-afb64a04493ddf44df3b7338536a6524">Turning Point USA</a>, as “Great, and even Legendary.”“No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie,” Trump posted on his Truth Social account.The suspected shooter has not been arrested, Orem, Utah, Mayor David Young said. A person who was taken into custody by law enforcement at the university where Kirk was speaking was not the suspect, according to a person familiar with the investigation who was not authorized to speak publicly.Videos posted to social media from Utah Valley University show Kirk speaking into a handheld microphone while sitting under a white tent emblazoned with the slogans “The American Comeback” and “Prove Me Wrong.” A single shot rings out and Kirk can be seen reaching up with his right hand as a large volume of blood gushes from the left side of his neck. Stunned spectators are heard gasping and screaming before people start to run away. The AP was able to confirm the videos were taken at Sorensen Center courtyard on the Utah Valley University campus.“We are confirming that he was shot and we are praying for Charlie,” said Aubrey Laitsch, public relations manager for Turning Point USA.Kirk was speaking at a debate hosted by his nonprofit political organization. Immediately before the shooting, Kirk was taking questions for an audience member about mass shootings and gun violence.“Do you know how many transgender Americans have been mass shooters over the last 10 years?” an audience members asked. Kirk responded: “Too many.”The questioner followed up: “Do you know how many mass shooters there have been in America over the last 10 years?”“Counting or not counting gang violence?” Kirk asked.Then a single shot rang out.The event had been met with divided opinions on campus. An online petition calling for university administrators to bar Kirk from appearing received nearly 1,000 signatures. The university issued a statement last week citing First Amendment rights and affirming its “commitment to free speech, intellectual inquiry, and constructive dialogue.”Last week, Kirk posted on X images of news clips showing his visit to Utah colleges was sparking controversy. He wrote, “What’s going on in Utah?”Trump and a host of Republican and Democratic elected officials decried the shooting and offered prayers for Kirk on social media.“We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!” Trump posted on Truth Social.The shooting comes amid a spike in political violence in the United States across all parts of the ideological spectrum. The attacks include the assassination of a Minnesota state lawmaker and her husband at their house in June, the firebombing of a Colorado parade to demand Hamas release hostages, and a fire set at the house of Pennsylvania’s governor, who is Jewish, in April. The most notorious of these events is the shooting of Trump during a campaign rally last year.Former Utah congressman Jason Chaffetz, a Republican who was at the event, said in an interview on Fox News Channel that he heard one shot and saw Kirk go back.“It seemed like it was a close shot,” Chaffetz said, who seemed shaken as he spoke.He said there was a light police presence at the event and Kirk had some security but not enough.“Utah is one of the safest places on the planet,” he said. “And so we just don’t have these types of things.”Turning Point was founded in suburban Chicago in 2012 by Kirk, then 18, and William Montgomery, a tea party activist, to proselytize on college campuses for low taxes and limited government. It was not an immediate success.But Kirk’s zeal for confronting liberals in academia eventually won over an influential set of conservative financiers.Despite early misgivings,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-turning-point-voter-mobilization-musk-07286c2572b02aafefdda1cda093e788">Turning Point</a>&nbsp;enthusiastically backed Trump after he clinched the GOP nomination in 2016. Kirk served as a personal aide to Donald Trump Jr., the president’s eldest son, during the general election campaign.Soon, Kirk was a regular presence on cable TV, where he leaned into the culture wars and heaped praise on the then-president. Trump and his son were equally effusive and often spoke at Turning Point conferences.-------------------OREM, Utah (AP) — Charlie Kirk, the CEO and co-founder of the conservative youth organization&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-shutdown-charlie-kirk-turning-point-afb64a04493ddf44df3b7338536a6524">Turning Point USA</a>&nbsp;and a close ally of President Donald Trump, was in critical condition at a Utah hospital Wednesday after being shot at a college event, a law enforcement official told The Associated Press.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We are closely monitoring reports of the tragic shooting involving Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. Our thoughts are with Charlie, his loved ones, and everyone affected. Agents will be on the scene quickly and the FBI stands in full support of the ongoing response and…&mdash; FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) <a href="https://twitter.com/FBIDirectorKash/status/1965851035467132940?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Laina and I are heartbroken to learn that <a href="https://twitter.com/charliekirk11?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CharlieKirk11</a> was shot while holding an event in Utah. We are praying for him, his family, and everyone at the event.&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1965850846669017462?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Please pray for Charlie Kirk and his family.&mdash; Tracey Mann (@RepMann) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepMann/status/1965854972349919555?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">“We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!” - President Donald J. Trump <a href="https://t.co/GqYC4QdhA1">pic.twitter.com/GqYC4QdhA1</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1965854672390148201?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🙏 Lord, we lift up Charlie Kirk in this immediate moment. Grant him strength, his doctors wisdom, and the kind of protection only YOU can provide. 🇺🇸✝️&mdash; House Republicans (@HouseGOP) <a href="https://twitter.com/HouseGOP/status/1965853007683399997?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We love you Charlie Kirk. Praying for you. <a href="https://t.co/ti1viJjM5L">https://t.co/ti1viJjM5L</a>&mdash; Secretary Kennedy (@SecKennedy) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecKennedy/status/1965853529266094107?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Please join me in praying for Charlie Kirk after this senseless act.&mdash; Steve Scalise (@SteveScalise) <a href="https://twitter.com/SteveScalise/status/1965853329260740853?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>A person who was taken into custody at Utah Valley University was not the suspect, according to a person familiar with the investigation who was not authorized to speak publicly. It was not clear if authorities were still searching the campus for a suspect.Videos posted to social media from Utah Valley University show Kirk speaking into a handheld microphone while sitting under a white tent emblazoned with the slogans “The American Comeback” and “Prove Me Wrong.” A single shot rings out and Kirk can be seen reaching up with his right hand as a large volume of blood gushes from the left side of his neck. Stunned spectators are heard gasping and screaming before people start to run away. The AP was able to confirm the videos were taken at Sorensen Center courtyard on the Utah Valley University campus.“We are confirming that he was shot and we are praying for Charlie,” said Aubrey Laitsch, public relations manager for Turning Point USA.Kirk was speaking at a debate hosted by his nonprofit political organization. The event had been met with divided opinions on campus. An online petition calling for university administrators to bar Kirk from appearing received nearly 1,000 signatures. The university issued a statement last week citing First Amendment rights and affirming its “commitment to free speech, intellectual inquiry, and constructive dialogue.”Last week, Kirk posted on X images of news clips showing his visit to Utah colleges was sparking controversy. He wrote, “What’s going on in Utah?”The college said a “single shot” had been fired at Kirk and a suspect was in custody.Trump and a host of Republican and Democratic elected officials decried the shooting and offered prayers for Kirk on social media.“We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!” Trump posted on Truth Social.The shooting comes amid a spike in political violence in the United States across all parts of the ideological spectrum. The attacks include the assassination of a Minnesota state lawmaker and her husband at their house in June, the firebombing of a Colorado parade to demand Hamas release hostages, and a fire set at the house of Pennsylvania’s governor, who is Jewish, in April. The most notorious of these events is the shooting of Trump during a campaign rally last year.Former Utah congressman Jason Chaffetz, a Republican who was at the event, said in an interview on Fox News Channel that he heard one shot and saw Kirk go back.“It seemed like it was a close shot,” Chaffetz said, who seemed shaken as he spoke.He said there was a light police presence at the event and Kirk had some security but not enough.“Utah is one of the safest places on the planet,” he said. “And so we just don’t have these types of things.”Turning Point was founded in suburban Chicago in 2012 by Kirk, then 18, and William Montgomery, a tea party activist, to proselytize on college campuses for low taxes and limited government. It was not an immediate success.But Kirk’s zeal for confronting liberals in academia eventually won over an influential set of conservative financiers.Despite early misgivings,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-turning-point-voter-mobilization-musk-07286c2572b02aafefdda1cda093e788">Turning Point</a>&nbsp;enthusiastically backed Trump after he clinched the GOP nomination in 2016. Kirk served as a personal aide to Donald Trump Jr., the president’s eldest son, during the general election campaign.Soon, Kirk was a regular presence on cable TV, where he leaned into the culture wars and heaped praise on the then-president. Trump and his son were equally effusive and often spoke at Turning Point conferences.------------OREM, Utah (AP) — Charlie Kirk, the CEO and co-founder of the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA, was shot Wednesday at an event at a Utah college, Turning Point said.“We are confirming that he was shot and we are praying for Charlie,” said Aubrey Laitsch, public relations manager for Turning Point USA.Kirk was attending an event at Utah Valley University.The shooting comes amid a spike in political violence in the United States across all parts of the ideological spectrum. The attacks include the assassination of a Minnesota state lawmaker and her husband at their house in June, the firebombing of a Colorado parade to demand Hamas release hostages, and a fire set at the house of Pennsylvania’s governor, who is Jewish, in April. The most notorious of these events is the shooting of President Donald Trump during a campaign rally last year.

Kan. lawmakers react to shooting death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk 

HARVEY COUNTY —A Kansas man died in an accident just after 7a.m. Wednesday in Harvey County.

According to the city of Newton, Peter Hartman, 90, of Hesston,&nbsp; was driving a passenger vehicle southeast on Hesston Road northwest of North Newton. The vehicle collided with a semi-trailer that was attempting to make a right turn from Hesston Road onto 36th Street.

EMS transported Hartman in critical condition to a Wichita hospital. He later died of his injuries.

There were no passengers in either vehicle. The accident remains under investigation.

HARVEY COUNTY —A Kansas man died in an accident just after 7a.m. Wednesday in Harvey County.According to the city of Newton, Peter Hartman, 90, of Hesston,&nbsp; was driving a passenger vehicle southeast on Hesston Road northwest of North Newton. The vehicle collided with a semi-trailer that was attempting to make a right turn from Hesston Road onto 36th Street.EMS transported Hartman in critical condition to a Wichita hospital. He later died of his injuries.There were no passengers in either vehicle. The accident remains under investigation.

90-year-old Kansas driver dies after crash with a semi

FINNEY COUNTY—The Red Cross is assisting families in southwest Kansas after an apartment fire in Garden City.

Just before 8:30p.m. Sept. 6,&nbsp; the Garden City Fire Department was dispatched to the report of a&nbsp; fire in an apartment building in 300 block of College Street in Garden City, according to a media release.

Upon arrival, Command 1 identified a two-story apartment building with heavy smoke and fire visible. Fire crews conducted an offensive fire attack to the upstairs apartments while simultaneously completing primary search and rescue on the apartments with physical fire, followed by surrounding apartments. 

All occupants of the apartments were found to be safely evacuated prior to the arrival of fire crews.

Fire Marshal Robertson responded to the scene for investigation. The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental. No injuries were reported, and no damage estimates are known at this time.

American Red Cross was requested to respond and assist with the displaced families.

FINNEY COUNTY—The Red Cross is assisting families in southwest Kansas after an apartment fire in Garden City.Just before 8:30p.m. Sept. 6,&nbsp; the Garden City Fire Department was dispatched to the report of a&nbsp; fire in an apartment building in 300 block of College Street in Garden City, according to a media release.Upon arrival, Command 1 identified a two-story apartment building with heavy smoke and fire visible. Fire crews conducted an offensive fire attack to the upstairs apartments while simultaneously completing primary search and rescue on the apartments with physical fire, followed by surrounding apartments. All occupants of the apartments were found to be safely evacuated prior to the arrival of fire crews.Fire Marshal Robertson responded to the scene for investigation. The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental. No injuries were reported, and no damage estimates are known at this time.American Red Cross was requested to respond and assist with the displaced families.

Red Cross assisting families displaced by SW Kan. apartment fire

WASHINGTON­—Task Force on the Declassification of Federal Secrets Chairwoman Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) delivered opening remarks at Tuesday’s hearing titled “<a href="https://oversight.house.gov/hearing/restoring-public-trust-through-uap-transparency-and-whistleblower-protection/">Restoring Public Trust Through UFO/UAP Transparency and Whistleblower Protection</a>.”

In her opening statement, Task Force Chairwoman Luna highlighted the lack of transparency from the federal government and intelligence communities on the research and disclosure of unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAPs). Task Force Chairwoman Luna also reiterated the importance of addressing threats to U.S. national security by (UFOs or now known as UAPs and the need for the federal government to acknowledge them.

Read the Congresswoman's full statement below:

Good morning, and welcome to this hearing regarding UAP disclosures.

For too long, the issue of Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena – commonly known as UAPs – has been shrouded in secrecy, stigma, and in some cases outright dismissal.&nbsp;

Today, I want to state clearly: this is not science fiction or creating speculation.&nbsp;

This is about national security, government accountability, and the American people’s right to the truth.

I have now spoken to a number of whistleblowers from the military, to include at the infamous Eglin AFB incident that occurred when myself and former Rep Matt Gaetz as well as Rep Burchett followed up on a lead from multiple active-duty air force pilot whistleblowers that alleged that the USAF was covering up UAP activity at Eglin AFB.&nbsp;

We have heard from a number of whistleblowers, specifically military pilots, that the reason for not coming forward publicly is out of fear that speaking out would cost them their flight status, and potentially their careers.&nbsp;

We cannot protect our airspace if our best-trained observers are silenced.&nbsp;

We cannot advance science if we refuse to ask questions.&nbsp;

And we cannot maintain trust in government if we keep the American people in the dark.

Now, Congress has tried to fix this problem.

Congress tried to create formal channels – through the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office, also known as AARO and the Intelligence Community Inspector General – for service members and officials to make disclosures.

But the reality: the reports that come in are too often brushed aside, slow-walked, or met with skepticism rather than serious investigation. Recently, the former AARO director known as Sean Kirpatrick attacked our witness and members on this committee. It should be noted that he is a documented liar and brings into question what his purpose at AARO really was if it was not to follow up on investigations and disclose his findings to Members of Congress.&nbsp;

A former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Intelligence, Chris Mellon, described a report published by ARRO that “found no evidence that any USG investigation, academic-sponsored research, or official review panel has confirmed that any sighting of a UAP represented extraterrestrial technology,” as “the most error-ridden and unsatisfactory government report I can recall reading during or after decades of government service.” Mellon further noted that this was the first ARRO report submitted to Congress without the Director of National Intelligence’s sign-off and seemingly excluded input from “any of the scholars or experts who have studied and written extensively on this topic as would normally be the case in another field.” Mellon determined that the report failed to fulfill the congressional mandate under which it was required, omitted entire agencies with “known investigations or activities relating to UAP,” and omitted any discussion of efforts to hide classified or unclassified information about UAP. Such efforts were unaddressed by the report despite the existence of agency records and investigations concerning them, including at US Customs and Border Protection.

If we set up offices and oversight bodies only to let them become graveyards for testimony or worse yet, ruses for pretending to investigate when in actuality, there was no follow up, then we are not doing our jobs.

In recent months, Congress has also been presented with evidence that points to technologies that to our knowledge, are beyond our current capabilities.&nbsp;&nbsp;

It is our duty as elected representatives to follow the facts, wherever they lead, and to ensure those facts are not buried under classification stamps or bureaucratic excuses.&nbsp;

Let me be clear: whether UAPs represent adversarial technology, natural phenomena, or something beyond current human understanding, Congress has a responsibility to investigate.&nbsp;

If these objects are foreign in origin, they pose a direct threat to our national security.&nbsp;

If they represent something unknown, they demand rigorous scientific inquiry – not ridicule, not secrecy, and not silence.&nbsp;

Adversarial nations are not waiting for us to catch up – they are studying these phenomena aggressively as well and multiple nations have also announced their own parliamentary investigation into this very topic.

If we continue to hide information from ourselves, we risk strategic surprises.&nbsp;

If we continue to ignore our pilots and service members as well as the countless government whistleblowers, we risk losing their trust.&nbsp;

And if we continue to shield the truth from the public, we risk eroding the very foundation of democratic accountability.&nbsp;

This is about demanding basic transparency from the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community and/or military contractors.&nbsp;

It is about asking the questions every American has the right to ask: What do we know? What don’t we know? And why, in a free society are we still being told so little?&nbsp;

A major barrier to the Committee’s inquiry into UAPs has been a lack of cooperation and transparency from the DoD and the Intelligence Community (IC). In preparation for previous UAP hearings, the Committee repeatedly asked DoD to allow Members to view videos and files relating to UAP incidents. Unfortunately, DoD notified Committee staff that due to the Department’s special access program (SAP) rules, only members of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) and the Defense Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee (HAC-D) were allowed to be “read in” on such programs. For a non-committee Member to be allowed to view these documents and videos, individual Members must be approved by the Chairman and Ranking Member of both HASC and HAC-D. Independent SAP oversight has presented a consistent problem for Congress as the program’s budgets are classified. Additionally, oversight reporting to Congress is classified, and is only provided to the authorizing and appropriations committees of jurisdiction.

They do not need to be shielded like children from reality.

What they cannot tolerate – what they will not forgive – is a government that withholds the truth and punishes those who dare to speak out.

Future generations will look back on this moment and ask what we did when presented with the unknown.&nbsp;

Did we look away, embarrassed or afraid? Or did we pursue the truth with courage?&nbsp;

I intend to be on the side of truth, transparency, and accountability, and I hope my colleagues on this Task Force will be as well.&nbsp;

Senator Schumer: “Multiple credible sources” allege a constitutional crisis over UFOs.

Senator Rounds: “They are brilliant individuals.”&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“They’re not making this stuff up.”

Our current Secretary of State Rubio: “Very high clearances and high positions within our government.”

Senator McConnell: “Sane,” “Credible”

The witnesses today are not alone, far from it. In fact, 34 senior military, government, and intelligence officials have broken their silence. This includes Senator Rubio, Senator Rounds, Senator Gillibrand, General Jim Clapper, the former director of the Government’s UAP task force, the former head of aviation security on the White House national security council, a former secretary of defense, and many more.&nbsp; To quote&nbsp;Senator Rubio in the upcoming documentary Age of Disclosure: “even presidents have been operating on a need-to-know basis but that begins to spin out of control.” And to quote Senator Gillibrand who went public in a upcoming documentary, “it’s not acceptable to have secret parts of government that no one ever sees.” It is time for the fundamental truths around UAP to be revealed to our nation’s leaders and to the public.

&nbsp;It is time for the US government to exercise transparency.

WASHINGTON­—Task Force on the Declassification of Federal Secrets Chairwoman Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) delivered opening remarks at Tuesday’s hearing titled “<a href="https://oversight.house.gov/hearing/restoring-public-trust-through-uap-transparency-and-whistleblower-protection/">Restoring Public Trust Through UFO/UAP Transparency and Whistleblower Protection</a>.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Below is the video I revealed in our <a href="https://twitter.com/GOPoversight?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GOPoversight</a> UAP hearing today, made available to the public for the first time. October 30th, 2024: MQ-9 Reaper allegedly tracking orb off coast of Yemen. Greenlight given to engage, missile appears to be ineffective against the target.… <a href="https://t.co/jxJwl0e00S">pic.twitter.com/jxJwl0e00S</a>&mdash; Rep. Eric Burlison (@RepEricBurlison) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepEricBurlison/status/1965438792493355291?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🔴 UAP HEARING! Watch as <a href="https://twitter.com/RepLuna?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RepLuna</a> and the Task Force for the Declassification of Federal Secrets hold a hearing on restoring public trust through UAP transparency and whistleblower protection. <a href="https://t.co/TOLaBHHj9Q">https://t.co/TOLaBHHj9Q</a>&mdash; Oversight Committee (@GOPoversight) <a href="https://twitter.com/GOPoversight/status/1965412144264151187?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In her opening statement, Task Force Chairwoman Luna highlighted the lack of transparency from the federal government and intelligence communities on the research and disclosure of unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAPs). Task Force Chairwoman Luna also reiterated the importance of addressing threats to U.S. national security by (UFOs or now known as UAPs and the need for the federal government to acknowledge them.Read the Congresswoman's full statement below:Good morning, and welcome to this hearing regarding UAP disclosures.For too long, the issue of Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena – commonly known as UAPs – has been shrouded in secrecy, stigma, and in some cases outright dismissal.&nbsp;Today, I want to state clearly: this is not science fiction or creating speculation.&nbsp;This is about national security, government accountability, and the American people’s right to the truth.I have now spoken to a number of whistleblowers from the military, to include at the infamous Eglin AFB incident that occurred when myself and former Rep Matt Gaetz as well as Rep Burchett followed up on a lead from multiple active-duty air force pilot whistleblowers that alleged that the USAF was covering up UAP activity at Eglin AFB.&nbsp;We have heard from a number of whistleblowers, specifically military pilots, that the reason for not coming forward publicly is out of fear that speaking out would cost them their flight status, and potentially their careers.&nbsp;That is unacceptable.&nbsp;We cannot protect our airspace if our best-trained observers are silenced.&nbsp;We cannot advance science if we refuse to ask questions.&nbsp;And we cannot maintain trust in government if we keep the American people in the dark.Now, Congress has tried to fix this problem.Congress tried to create formal channels – through the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office, also known as AARO and the Intelligence Community Inspector General – for service members and officials to make disclosures.But the reality: the reports that come in are too often brushed aside, slow-walked, or met with skepticism rather than serious investigation. Recently, the former AARO director known as Sean Kirpatrick attacked our witness and members on this committee. It should be noted that he is a documented liar and brings into question what his purpose at AARO really was if it was not to follow up on investigations and disclose his findings to Members of Congress.&nbsp;A former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Intelligence, Chris Mellon, described a report published by ARRO that “found no evidence that any USG investigation, academic-sponsored research, or official review panel has confirmed that any sighting of a UAP represented extraterrestrial technology,” as “the most error-ridden and unsatisfactory government report I can recall reading during or after decades of government service.” Mellon further noted that this was the first ARRO report submitted to Congress without the Director of National Intelligence’s sign-off and seemingly excluded input from “any of the scholars or experts who have studied and written extensively on this topic as would normally be the case in another field.” Mellon determined that the report failed to fulfill the congressional mandate under which it was required, omitted entire agencies with “known investigations or activities relating to UAP,” and omitted any discussion of efforts to hide classified or unclassified information about UAP. Such efforts were unaddressed by the report despite the existence of agency records and investigations concerning them, including at US Customs and Border Protection.If we set up offices and oversight bodies only to let them become graveyards for testimony or worse yet, ruses for pretending to investigate when in actuality, there was no follow up, then we are not doing our jobs.In recent months, Congress has also been presented with evidence that points to technologies that to our knowledge, are beyond our current capabilities.&nbsp;&nbsp;It is our duty as elected representatives to follow the facts, wherever they lead, and to ensure those facts are not buried under classification stamps or bureaucratic excuses.&nbsp;Let me be clear: whether UAPs represent adversarial technology, natural phenomena, or something beyond current human understanding, Congress has a responsibility to investigate.&nbsp;If these objects are foreign in origin, they pose a direct threat to our national security.&nbsp;If they represent something unknown, they demand rigorous scientific inquiry – not ridicule, not secrecy, and not silence.&nbsp;The stakes are high.&nbsp;Adversarial nations are not waiting for us to catch up – they are studying these phenomena aggressively as well and multiple nations have also announced their own parliamentary investigation into this very topic.If we continue to hide information from ourselves, we risk strategic surprises.&nbsp;If we continue to ignore our pilots and service members as well as the countless government whistleblowers, we risk losing their trust.&nbsp;And if we continue to shield the truth from the public, we risk eroding the very foundation of democratic accountability.&nbsp;That is why this hearing matters.&nbsp;This is not about fueling speculation.This is about demanding basic transparency from the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community and/or military contractors.&nbsp;It is about asking the questions every American has the right to ask: What do we know? What don’t we know? And why, in a free society are we still being told so little?&nbsp;A major barrier to the Committee’s inquiry into UAPs has been a lack of cooperation and transparency from the DoD and the Intelligence Community (IC). In preparation for previous UAP hearings, the Committee repeatedly asked DoD to allow Members to view videos and files relating to UAP incidents. Unfortunately, DoD notified Committee staff that due to the Department’s special access program (SAP) rules, only members of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) and the Defense Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee (HAC-D) were allowed to be “read in” on such programs. For a non-committee Member to be allowed to view these documents and videos, individual Members must be approved by the Chairman and Ranking Member of both HASC and HAC-D. Independent SAP oversight has presented a consistent problem for Congress as the program’s budgets are classified. Additionally, oversight reporting to Congress is classified, and is only provided to the authorizing and appropriations committees of jurisdiction.The American people are not fragile.They do not need to be shielded like children from reality.What they cannot tolerate – what they will not forgive – is a government that withholds the truth and punishes those who dare to speak out.I want to close with this:Future generations will look back on this moment and ask what we did when presented with the unknown.&nbsp;Did we look away, embarrassed or afraid? Or did we pursue the truth with courage?&nbsp;I intend to be on the side of truth, transparency, and accountability, and I hope my colleagues on this Task Force will be as well.&nbsp;To quote a few elected officials:Senator Schumer: “Multiple credible sources” allege a constitutional crisis over UFOs.Senator Rounds: “They are brilliant individuals.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“They’re not making this stuff up.”Our current Secretary of State Rubio: “Very high clearances and high positions within our government.”Senator McConnell: “Sane,” “Credible”The witnesses today are not alone, far from it. In fact, 34 senior military, government, and intelligence officials have broken their silence. This includes Senator Rubio, Senator Rounds, Senator Gillibrand, General Jim Clapper, the former director of the Government’s UAP task force, the former head of aviation security on the White House national security council, a former secretary of defense, and many more.&nbsp; To quote&nbsp;Senator Rubio in the upcoming documentary Age of Disclosure: “even presidents have been operating on a need-to-know basis but that begins to spin out of control.” And to quote Senator Gillibrand who went public in a upcoming documentary, “it’s not acceptable to have secret parts of government that no one ever sees.” It is time for the fundamental truths around UAP to be revealed to our nation’s leaders and to the public.&nbsp;It is time for the US government to exercise transparency.

🎥Scary: Congressman unveils video of missile bouncing off UFO

KANSAS CITY —Sheriff's Deputies stopped a man driving a stolen Dodge Charger and were able to recover it last week, according to a social media report from the Clay County, Missouri Sheriff.

 The thief had tried to swap the VIN with that of a different vehicle, but&nbsp; investigators knew better.

"As far as we can tell, this may be the first car with a swapped VIN that we've recovered. The license plate was supposed to be on a different car, too. This is part of a larger investigation into a group involved in drugs and vehicle thefts by the Clay COunty Street Crimes Unit.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757470136886.png" alt="Photo Clay County, Mo. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo Clay County, Mo. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Sheriff's Deputies stopped a man driving a stolen Dodge Charger and were able to recover it last week, according to a social media report from the Clay County, Missouri Sheriff. The thief had tried to swap the VIN with that of a different vehicle, but&nbsp; investigators knew better."As far as we can tell, this may be the first car with a swapped VIN that we've recovered. The license plate was supposed to be on a different car, too. This is part of a larger investigation into a group involved in drugs and vehicle thefts by the Clay COunty Street Crimes Unit.

Sheriff: Suspect tried to swap VIN number with a different vehicle

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/will-weissert">WILL WEISSERT</a>

WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;had dinner Tuesday night at a seafood restaurant near the White House, promoting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-washington-dc-federal-immigration-deportation-81e3493e73e8af1ecce47af23d9911f4">his deployment of the National Guard</a>&nbsp;and federalizing the police force in an effort to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-washington-increased-federal-law-enforcement-takeover-33b186a95dabf111bac61db398aa7543">crack down</a>&nbsp;on crime in the nation’s capital.

His motorcade made the short distance to Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak &amp; Stone Crab on 15th Street in the northwestern quadrant of the city following weeks of the president boasting about mobilizing federal authorities and the military that he says have made Washington “a safe zone.”

Cheers were heard as the president stepped from his limo — though there was also a smattering of boos and chants from protesters opposing U.S. policy in support of Israel in its war with Hamas in Gaza.

“We’re standing right in the middle of D.C., which as you know about, over the last year, was a very unsafe place — over the last 20 years — and now it’s got virtually no crime,” Trump told reporters.

He added that he wouldn’t have stood out “in the middle of the street” as recently as a couple of months ago. The suggestion was farcical, however, and didn’t actually reflect whether crime levels had changed in Washington, since the president is always surrounded by heavy security wherever he goes.

After entering the restaurant, a video posted on social media showed Trump shaking hands with some diners inside. But he also stared for an extended period at a small group of protesters who held up miniature Gaza flags and chanted: “Free D.C.! Free Palestine! Trump is the Hitler of our time!”

The president moved closer to them and could be seen gesturing briefly, but didn’t appear to speak.

Some restaurants have reported drops in reservations since Trump first announced the federal crackdown on Aug. 7, while there have been frequent street protests decrying his actions. Increased military and police presence also has occasionally&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/washington-bowser-trump-dc-police-5d3768539b5155b1a7f4f26ddb54a8c3">sparked standoffs</a>&nbsp;between residents and authorities in normally quiet neighborhoods.

Trump has nonetheless said repeatedly that he’s spoken to friends who tell him local restaurants are full and that people have noticed a drop in crime. He says he’s also heard that people appreciate crews working to remove homeless encampments as part of the crackdown.

Accompanying the president for dinner were Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, as well as Susie Wiles, the White House chief of staff. In his comments before going into dinner, Trump said, “The restaurants are booming.”

“People are going out to dinner where they didn’t go out for years,” he said.

After Trump returned to the White House after 10 p.m., press secretary Karoline Leavitt, who was also among those who dined with Trump, said he had eaten crab, shrimp, salad, steak and dessert.

The excursion was notable since Trump rarely dines away from the White House when he’s in Washington. And such outings have gotten even less common since he sold the hotel bearing his name a few blocks away, which was a key meeting point for administration officials and supporters during his first term.

The White House reported Tuesday that there had been nearly 2,200 arrests since Trump first announced the Washington crackdown on Aug. 7.

In addition to Washington, Trump deployed the National Guard to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-newsom-los-angeles-national-guard-d6c8450a3ac2de34e669ef0836d22cbc">Los Angeles</a>&nbsp;in June and has threatened to send troops to other, largely Democratic cities, including Baltimore, New Orleans and Chicago — where state and local authorities already are bracing for operations to sharply increase immigration enforcement.

He said Tuesday night, “We’re going to be announcing another city that we’re going to very shortly,” then said it could be as soon as Wednesday. He added that the mayor of that city and the governor of the state it is in “would love us to be there.”

That follows Trump posting over the weekend&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-chicago-immigration-war-department-pritzker-1f6b2a08ed8aab04f0caf02ef506aafa">a parody image</a>&nbsp;from “Apocalypse Now” featuring a ball of flames as helicopters zoom over the lakefront and skyline of Chicago, the nation’s third-largest city.

“‘I love the smell of deportations in the morning,’” Trump wrote on his social media site. “Chicago about to find out why it’s called the Department of WAR.”

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/will-weissert">WILL WEISSERT</a>WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;had dinner Tuesday night at a seafood restaurant near the White House, promoting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-washington-dc-federal-immigration-deportation-81e3493e73e8af1ecce47af23d9911f4">his deployment of the National Guard</a>&nbsp;and federalizing the police force in an effort to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-washington-increased-federal-law-enforcement-takeover-33b186a95dabf111bac61db398aa7543">crack down</a>&nbsp;on crime in the nation’s capital.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Did someone leak the President’s location to the organization that showed up to protest him? Was this code pink? How are they allowed that close to him? Where was Secret Service and was there someone in Secret Service that leaked his location? This needs to be looked into. <a href="https://t.co/kLvmOCOZ2P">pic.twitter.com/kLvmOCOZ2P</a>&mdash; Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (@RepLuna) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepLuna/status/1965607877789581530?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>His motorcade made the short distance to Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak &amp; Stone Crab on 15th Street in the northwestern quadrant of the city following weeks of the president boasting about mobilizing federal authorities and the military that he says have made Washington “a safe zone.”Cheers were heard as the president stepped from his limo — though there was also a smattering of boos and chants from protesters opposing U.S. policy in support of Israel in its war with Hamas in Gaza.“We’re standing right in the middle of D.C., which as you know about, over the last year, was a very unsafe place — over the last 20 years — and now it’s got virtually no crime,” Trump told reporters.He added that he wouldn’t have stood out “in the middle of the street” as recently as a couple of months ago. The suggestion was farcical, however, and didn’t actually reflect whether crime levels had changed in Washington, since the president is always surrounded by heavy security wherever he goes.After entering the restaurant, a video posted on social media showed Trump shaking hands with some diners inside. But he also stared for an extended period at a small group of protesters who held up miniature Gaza flags and chanted: “Free D.C.! Free Palestine! Trump is the Hitler of our time!”The president moved closer to them and could be seen gesturing briefly, but didn’t appear to speak.Some restaurants have reported drops in reservations since Trump first announced the federal crackdown on Aug. 7, while there have been frequent street protests decrying his actions. Increased military and police presence also has occasionally&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/washington-bowser-trump-dc-police-5d3768539b5155b1a7f4f26ddb54a8c3">sparked standoffs</a>&nbsp;between residents and authorities in normally quiet neighborhoods.Trump has nonetheless said repeatedly that he’s spoken to friends who tell him local restaurants are full and that people have noticed a drop in crime. He says he’s also heard that people appreciate crews working to remove homeless encampments as part of the crackdown.Accompanying the president for dinner were Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, as well as Susie Wiles, the White House chief of staff. In his comments before going into dinner, Trump said, “The restaurants are booming.”“People are going out to dinner where they didn’t go out for years,” he said.After Trump returned to the White House after 10 p.m., press secretary Karoline Leavitt, who was also among those who dined with Trump, said he had eaten crab, shrimp, salad, steak and dessert.The excursion was notable since Trump rarely dines away from the White House when he’s in Washington. And such outings have gotten even less common since he sold the hotel bearing his name a few blocks away, which was a key meeting point for administration officials and supporters during his first term.The White House reported Tuesday that there had been nearly 2,200 arrests since Trump first announced the Washington crackdown on Aug. 7.In addition to Washington, Trump deployed the National Guard to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-newsom-los-angeles-national-guard-d6c8450a3ac2de34e669ef0836d22cbc">Los Angeles</a>&nbsp;in June and has threatened to send troops to other, largely Democratic cities, including Baltimore, New Orleans and Chicago — where state and local authorities already are bracing for operations to sharply increase immigration enforcement.He said Tuesday night, “We’re going to be announcing another city that we’re going to very shortly,” then said it could be as soon as Wednesday. He added that the mayor of that city and the governor of the state it is in “would love us to be there.”That follows Trump posting over the weekend&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-chicago-immigration-war-department-pritzker-1f6b2a08ed8aab04f0caf02ef506aafa">a parody image</a>&nbsp;from “Apocalypse Now” featuring a ball of flames as helicopters zoom over the lakefront and skyline of Chicago, the nation’s third-largest city.“‘I love the smell of deportations in the morning,’” Trump wrote on his social media site. “Chicago about to find out why it’s called the Department of WAR.”In the post, Trump offered no details beyond the label “Chipocalypse Now,” a play on the title of Francis Ford Coppola’s 1979 Vietnam War film, in which a character says, “I love the smell of napalm in the morning.”Last week, Trump signed an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-department-of-war-8cb6fe42fee4128f5a8fcab3f49e6e41">executive order</a>&nbsp;seeking to rename the Defense Department as the Department of War — even after months of campaigning to be considered for the Nobel Peace Prize. The renaming requires congressional approval.In his own post in response, Democratic Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker called Trump a “wannabe dictator.” He has joined state and city officials — and many Chicago residents — in decrying the idea of a federal crackdown as unnecessary.