US President Donald Trump on Friday announced that the suspect accused of fatally shooting conservative activist Charlie Kirk has been taken into custody after an extensive manhunt.
Speaking during a live interview on Fox News, Trump said the arrest came after “somebody very close” to the suspect turned him in.
“The person was involved with law enforcement, but was a person of faith, a minister, and brought him to a US Marshal who was fantastic,” Trump explained. “They drove into the police headquarters, and he’s there now. We have the person that we think is the person we’re looking for.”
Kirk, 31, was shot and killed on Wednesday during an appearance at Utah Valley University. Authorities say the gunman fired a single round from a rooftop nearly 200 yards away, striking him in the neck. Video footage later showed a figure fleeing across the roof before escaping into nearby trees, where a bolt-action rifle was recovered.
The shooting triggered a massive response involving more than 20 law enforcement agencies.
Police released images of the suspect on Thursday, showing a man dressed in jeans, a long-sleeved shirt with an American flag design, dark sunglasses, a black baseball cap, and Converse shoes.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox has vowed to seek the death penalty if the suspect is convicted.
Kirk’s body was flown to Phoenix aboard Vice President JD Vance’s official plane on Thursday.
Video showed Vance placing his hands on the casket as it was transferred from Air Force 2.
The killing has sent shockwaves across the country, heightening fears over growing political violence. Students at Utah Valley University described their trauma, with some calling the attack “surreal” and “sickening.” Hundreds later gathered at a park in Orem for a candlelight vigil, many wearing red MAGA caps and holding American flags.
Kirk, co-founder of Turning Point USA, was a prominent voice in conservative circles, known for his fiery advocacy of anti-immigration policies, outspoken Christianity, and gun rights.
His death has left right-wing media outlets in mourning, with supporters hailing him as a “martyr.”
Despite the charged atmosphere, Trump has urged his followers to respond peacefully.