Relatives of the man arrested in connection with the shooting of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk told CBS News this week that he had recently become more politically engaged, a claim that has prompted investigators to scrutinize whether political activity played a role in the attack.

"He had recently become more politically active," a family member told CBS News in an on-camera interview Tuesday, adding that they could not point to a single event or organization as the catalyst. Law enforcement officials, speaking to reporters, confirmed that a suspect is in custody and said investigators are examining the individual's social-media accounts, communications and recent associations to determine whether the incident was politically motivated. Police officials stressed that no definitive motive has been released and that the investigation remains ongoing.

The shooting, which left Kirk injured but alive, unfolded amid heightened national sensitivity to political violence. Kirk is the founder of Turning Point USA and a prominent voice on the right; the attack has drawn swift responses from elected officials and advocacy groups across the spectrum. While some public figures called for calm and due process, others urged faster disclosure from authorities about links between the suspect's recent activism and the attack.

Investigators said they are pursuing multiple lines of inquiry, including the suspect's interactions online, attendance at local events and any purchases or transfers of weapons. "We are examining all potential leads and will release information as it is verified," a police spokesperson said. Federal agencies, which often take the lead on cases with purported political motivation or interstate connections, are monitoring the probe, according to two law-enforcement sources familiar with the investigation who requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly.

The family's account that the suspect had become more politically active adds a volatile element to the case, because it raises questions about how shifts in civic engagement can intersect with radicalization. Experts in political violence and social-media extremism noted that sudden intensification of political activity, particularly when channeled through closed online forums or hyperpartisan networks, can precede real-world attacks, though each case has its own dynamics.

"The connection between increased political engagement and violent outcomes isn't automatic, but it's something investigators need to treat seriously," said a researcher who studies online radicalization. "Transparency from investigators is crucial to avoid speculation and to inform policy responses."

The incident has already prompted renewed calls in Congress and among advocacy groups for a review of the role played by online platforms in amplifying extreme content, as well as for stricter enforcement of existing laws governing firearm transfers and background checks. Civil-liberties organizations emphasized the importance of distinguishing between lawful political participation and criminal conduct, urging authorities to avoid conflating activism with culpability without clear evidence.

For now, families, political allies and Kirk himself are awaiting greater clarity. The police have pledged to provide updates as new information is confirmed. Meanwhile, legal experts underscored that any public assertions about motive must align with the evidence developed by investigators, reminding officials and media alike of the stakes in balancing rapid disclosure with the careful preservation of investigative integrity.