OREM, Utah (KUTV) -- A manhunt is underway for the shooter who killed conservative activist Charlie Kirk in a "targeted attack" on a Utah college campus on Wednesday.
Authorities originally reported that two persons of interest were taken into custody, but they were later released after it was determined they had "no current ties to the shooting," according to the Utah Department of Public Safety.
FBI Director Kash Patel backtracked on social media after stating "a subject" was in custody shortly after the shooting.
"The subject in custody has been released after an interrogation by law enforcement," Patel wrote on X. "Our investigation continues and we will continue to release information in interest of transparency."
Police said they believe the shooter fired from the roof of a building down to the location of the event in the student courtyard at Utah Valley University, where Kirk was allegedly discussing transgender shooters.
"To secure the event, UVU PD had six officers working the event," DPS said. "These security measures were in addition to Charlie Kirk's security detail, who travels with him. Approximately 3,000 people attended."
The FBI and DPS are co-leading the investigation in unison with the Utah County Attorney's Office, the Utah County Sheriff's Office and local police departments.
Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle have condemned the attack, with President Donald Trump describing Kirk's death as a "dark moment for America."
Trump said he will focus on tracking down anyone who was involved in the assassination.
"My administration will find each and every one of those who contributed to this atrocity and to other political violence, including the organized actions that fund it and support it, as well as those who go after our judges, law enforcement officials, and everyone else who brings order to our country," Trump said in a video on Truth Social.
He also referenced the attack on his own life in Butler, Pennsylvania.
"Radical left political violence has hurt too many innocent people and taken too many lives," Trump added.
Vice President JD Vance shared a heartfelt tribute to his "true friend" on social media.
He praised Kirk for his ability to rally people around the Republican cause and his willingness to engage in discussion with those he disagreed with.
Kirk had just kicked off his 14-city American Comeback Tour at Utah Valley University, in which attendees are invited to participate in his signature "Prove Me Wrong Table," where he encourages those who disagree with him to debate an issue.
"Charlie was fascinated by ideas and always willing to learn and change his mind," Vance wrote. "Like me, he was skeptical of Donald Trump in 2016. Like me, he came to see President Trump as the only figure capable of moving American politics away from the globalism that had dominated for our entire lives. When others were right, he learned from them. When he was right--as he usually was--he was generous. With Charlie, the attitude was never, 'I told you so.' But: 'welcome.'"
Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) also condemned the shooting in a post on X.
"The attack on Charlie Kirk is disgusting, vile, and reprehensible. In the United States of America, we must reject political violence in every form," he said.