Charlie Kirk Shooter Rumors: Was It Michael Mallinson? What We Know

Conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot during a speaking event at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025. Soon after, the name Michael Mallinson began trending online as the alleged shooter. The claim spread quickly on X, formerly known as Twitter, after an account identified as “Fox 11 Reno” posted the false information.

The post alleged that Mallinson was a registered Democrat in Utah and included a photo of an elderly man. Within hours, the account deleted the claim and issued a correction. It stated that the man pictured was actually Kevin Spitz of Washington, D.C. As of now, neither name has been confirmed by law enforcement. According to Reuters, authorities have not released the identity of the suspected shooter. The investigation is still active.

How the Michael Mallinson Rumor Spread

The rumor began on social media within minutes of the shooting. A single account falsely linked the name Michael Mallinson to the attack. The post was shared thousands of times before being retracted. Corrections rarely travel as fast as the original claim, which made the name continue to circulate online.

Fact-checkers and major outlets including Associated Press and BBC reported that there is no verified evidence connecting Mallinson to the case. The police in Utah have not confirmed any suspect details. The spread of the false claim highlights the risk of misinformation after high-profile incidents. It also raises concerns about social media platforms allowing unverified news to trend.

Ongoing Investigation and Public Reaction

Charlie Kirk was rushed to a nearby hospital after the attack. He later died from his injuries, as reported by multiple outlets. His death triggered widespread reactions from political figures, including a statement from former President Donald Trump. Supporters of Kirk have demanded quick answers about the shooter. However, officials have stressed that investigations take time and public patience is needed.

Police continue to gather evidence and review security footage from the Utah Valley University event. They have not confirmed if they have a suspect in custody. The spread of names like Michael Mallinson and Kevin Spitz has complicated the process, as false leads create confusion both for the public and investigators. Authorities have urged people not to rely on unverified social media posts.

Charlie Kirk’s death and the shooter’s identity remain part of an ongoing investigation. The name Michael Mallinson has not been confirmed by any official source. Readers are advised to wait for updates from trusted outlets.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Was Michael Mallinson confirmed as Charlie Kirk’s shooter?

No. Authorities have not confirmed Mallinson’s name. The claim came from a false post on social media.

Q2: Who posted the rumor about Michael Mallinson?

The rumor started from an account calling itself “Fox 11 Reno” on X. The account later deleted the claim and issued a correction.

Q3: What do authorities say about the shooter’s identity?

Police in Utah have not released any names. They continue to investigate and collect evidence.

Q4: Why did the name Kevin Spitz appear?

The same account that posted the Mallinson claim later said the photo was of Kevin Spitz. That name also has not been confirmed by officials.

Q5: What should readers rely on for updates?

Readers should follow updates from trusted sources like Reuters, Associated Press, and BBC. Official police briefings will provide verified details.