UPDATE: Subject arrested in connection with Charlie Kirk shooting has fled to suburban Florida, FBI says
The subject arrested in connection with the Charlie Kirk shooting has fled after being questioned by law enforcement, FBI Director Kash Patel said in a post on X.

The FBI has confirmed that the primary suspect in the Charlie Kirk shooting incident has fled to suburban Florida just days after being detained and questioned by federal agents.

FBI Director Kash Patel released a statement on X (formerly Twitter) early Tuesday morning, stating, “The subject arrested in connection with the Charlie Kirk shooting has fled federal custody and is believed to be hiding somewhere in suburban Florida. A nationwide manhunt is now underway.”

The suspect, whose identity has not been publicly released, was initially arrested following the shocking attack on political commentator Charlie Kirk during a live event in Dallas. The suspect was questioned for over 12 hours at a secure federal facility but was reportedly released pending further investigation due to insufficient immediate evidence to hold them.

Now, that decision is under scrutiny.

Sources within the bureau suggest the suspect may have received outside help to escape and could be connected to a larger, more coordinated network. Surveillance footage from a Florida toll plaza appears to show the suspect’s vehicle entering Palm Beach County late Monday night. The FBI, in coordination with local law enforcement, has deployed search teams across several gated communities in the area.

“This isn’t just about one shooter anymore,” an anonymous federal agent told reporters. “There are people who wanted Kirk silenced — and this suspect might be the key to uncovering the whole operation.”

Charlie Kirk, who survived the shooting and has since returned to the public eye, posted on X shortly after the news broke: “I warned them. They let him go. Now he’s on the run. This goes deeper than anyone realizes.”

The FBI is urging the public to remain vigilant and report any sightings of the suspect. A $100,000 reward has been offered for information leading to the arrest.

The story continues to unfold — and tensions are rising fast.