The family of a man wrongfully associated with the murder of MAGA activist Charlie Kirk claims they have been doxxed and are pleading with the public to cease spreading misinformation about him.
Zachariah Ahmed Qureshi, 25, was one of two individuals briefly detained following Kirk’s death at an event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, as reported by WFAA. Qureshi was subsequently released, and officials have emphasized that there is no evidence implicating him in the crime.
FBI director Kash Patel announced the detention on social media, but did not name him.
“The suspect in today’s tragic shooting that claimed Charlie Kirk’s life is now in custody,” Patel wrote. “Grateful to the local and state authorities in Utah for their cooperation with @fbi.”
The individual held has been released after being questioned by law enforcement. Our ongoing investigation will keep sharing updates for transparency https://t.co/YXsG6YpFR5
— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) September 10, 2025
Qureshi’s name was leaked to at least one major news organization as the “suspect” Patel claimed was detained, leading online users to quickly unearth his Brigham Young University student ID and post information from his LinkedIn page. Family members also reported sharing of their home address. Although Patel and the Utah Department of Safety announced his release and lack of connection 90 minutes later, the damage was already inflicted.
WFAA contacted Qureshi’s family in north Texas, where they reside and where Qureshi completed high school. His mother, Juliette Qureshi, stated that local law enforcement is currently involved to ensure their family’s security.
“Zach Qureshi, 25, a newly-engaged MBA student, had gone to see Charlie Kirk and was standing about 25 feet away when Kirk was shot and later interviewed by the FBI,” Juliette Qureshi said in a statement.
She said her son had nothing to tell investigators and she did not know why he was questioned. She said she had seen threats posted against him online but said “he’s safe for the moment.”
The family said Qureshi attended BYU and graduated there and now lives in Provo and is pursuing an MBA online.
Utah Department of Public Safety Commission Beau Mason noted that Qureshi and the other man questioned and cleared have continued to face “scrutiny” and “threats.”
Officials have since released images they say is a “person of interest” in the killing. CBS News reported that investigators have a name but have not released it or filed for a warrant.
