Crime
Officer shot and killed during a traffic stop in Charlotte County, Florida
Authorities in Charlotte County, Florida, are responding to reports of an officer-involved shooting that occurred late in the afternoon on Sandhill Boulevard in Port Charlotte.
Preliminary information indicates that a law enforcement officer was reportedly shot and killed during a traffic stop.
The incident unfolded just after 5:00 p.m. near an Applebee’s restaurant on Sandhill Boulevard.
Following the shooting, reports suggest the suspect fled the scene and was involved in additional altercations in the surrounding area, including near Popeye’s and RaceTrac on Kings Highway.
Law enforcement quickly established a large perimeter, extending from Sandhill Boulevard to Capricorn Boulevard and into the Deep Creek area.
One suspect is now in custody. Witnesses reported that the suspect initially shot a deputy near the Sunseeker
Resort before fleeing to the Sandhill Boulevard area, where a shootout with law enforcement occurred.
The suspect was critically injured and has been transported to Gulf Coast Medical Center in Fort Myers for treatment.
Emergency medical services (EMS) arrived at multiple locations within the crime scene to treat those involved.
While the details of their deployment to Applebee’s remain unclear, the response included efforts to assess injuries potentially caused by stray gunfire.
Significant road closures are in effect as part of the ongoing investigation:
- Sandhill Boulevard is closed from Applebee’s to Capricorn Boulevard.
- U.S. 41 Northbound Bridge into Port Charlotte has been closed, with traffic being diverted to Olympia Avenue and I-75.
The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office has yet to confirm specific details regarding the officer’s condition, the events leading up to the shooting, or the suspect’s motives.
Residents are advised to avoid the area as the situation remains fluid and investigators continue to work at multiple crime scenes.
Further updates, including confirmed information about the officer and the suspect, will be provided as authorities release additional details.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office or local Crime Stoppers.
Here’s what we know so far about the Charlie Kirk murder case, summarized in clear bullet points:
What’s Known About the Charlie Kirk Murder
- When & Where
- Charlie Kirk was shot and killed on September 10, 2025, at approximately 12:20 p.m. Mountain Time during a speaking event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. (Wikipedia)
- Event Details
- The event was the launch of his “American Comeback Tour.” He was at his “Prove Me Wrong” table, responding to questions from students. (Wikipedia)
- A student had just asked about the number of mass shootings by transgender individuals, and Kirk was answering that question when he was shot. (Wikipedia)
- Nature of the Attack
- The shooter fired a single long-range shot, hitting Kirk in the neck. The shot appeared to come from a rooftop nearby (reports put the distance at around 142–200 yards). (Wikipedia)
- Security
- About 3,000 people were present. Security consisted of six university police officers (some in plain clothes) plus Kirk’s private security. Observers have said security was relatively lax—no tickets were required and no metal detectors were used. (Wikipedia)
- Immediate Aftermath
- Two individuals were initially detained as persons of interest but were released after questioning, confirmed not to be the shooter. (Wikipedia)
- The shooter remains at large. Authorities have not released a name or motive yet. (The Washington Post)
- Investigation & Evidence
- The FBI and local law enforcement are leading the investigation. They’ve released photos and video of a person of interest and are asking the public for help. Over 7,000 tips have been received. (The Guardian)
- A $100,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the killer. (Federal Bureau of Investigation)
- A .30-06 caliber bolt-action rifle (Mauser system) was recovered in a nearby wooded area, wrapped in a towel. Forensic evidence such as shoe prints, palm prints, and cartridge casings are being analyzed. (New York Post)
- Legal & Political Response
- Utah authorities announced their intention to pursue the death penalty if the shooter is caught. (CBS News)
- President Trump announced that Charlie Kirk will be posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. (People.com)
- The killing has sparked widespread national outrage, with both sides of the political spectrum condemning the violence—though rhetoric has been sharply divided. (The Guardian)
Summary Table
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | Sept 10, 2025, around 12:20 p.m. MT |
| Location | Utah Valley University, Orem, Utah |
| Victim | Charlie Kirk, age 31, conservative activist |
| Attack Type | Long-range shooting from rooftop using a bolt-action rifle |
| Security | Private security + university officers, criticized as minimal |
| Suspect Status | Shooter at large; no confirmed arrests |
| Investigation | FBI leading, released suspect images, offering $100K reward |
| Evidence | Recovery of rifle, forensic evidence collected |
| Legal Actions | Death penalty intended if perpetrator is found |
| Reactions | National outrage; Trump to honor Kirk’s legacy posthumously |