U.S President Donald Trump announced Friday that a suspect has been taken into custody in connection with the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Speaking during a live interview on Fox News, Trump revealed the individual was turned in by someone close to him.
“Somebody very close to him turned him in,” Trump said. “The person was involved with law enforcement, but was a person of faith, a minister and brought him to a U.S. Marshal who was fantastic. They drove into police headquarters, and he’s there now.”
He added, “We have the person that we think is the person we’re looking for.”
The suspect allegedly shot Kirk, a prominent conservative figure and founder of Turning Point USA, during an appearance at a Utah university on Wednesday.
Authorities say a single shot, fired from an estimated 200-yard distance, struck the 31-year-old in the neck, killing him instantly.
According to officials, the shooter used a high-powered bolt-action rifle and fled the scene by running across a university rooftop before disappearing into nearby woods.
The weapon was later recovered in that area.
Surveillance footage released Thursday showed a man wearing Converse shoes, a black baseball cap, sunglasses, jeans, and a long-sleeved top featuring an American flag motif.
The image sparked a multi-agency manhunt involving hundreds of officers from 20 different agencies.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox stated that the state would seek the death penalty in the case.
The killing has drawn intense national attention and political reaction.
Vice President JD Vance transported Kirk’s body to Phoenix aboard the official Air Force 2 aircraft. Footage showed Vance accompanying the casket with a solemn expression.
At a Thursday night vigil in Orem Park, hundreds gathered wearing red MAGA hats and carrying American flags. Attendees prayed and observed a moment of silence in Kirk’s memory.
“It still feels insane that this happened,” said 35-year-old Jonathan Silva. “It’s totally surreal.”
Dave Sanchez, 26, a student who witnessed the shooting, told AFP, “It made me sick to my stomach. We watch him all the time, and it really does feel like losing a family member.”
Charlie Kirk rose to national prominence after co-founding Turning Point USA in 2012.
Known for his energetic presence and combative style during campus events, Kirk became a prominent face in right-wing media, often advocating for conservative causes such as strict immigration policies, Christian values and gun rights.
He cultivated a massive following on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.
His supporters have described him as a “martyr” for conservative ideals.
While right-wing media outlets expressed grief and outrage, President Trump has called on the public to remain calm and respond peacefully.
