President Donald Trump announced Friday that a suspect in the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk is in custody, saying he was informed of the arrest minutes before a live television interview and urging swift legal consequences.
Trump told Fox & Friends that "with a high degree of certainty, we have him," and said he was told the suspect was turned in by someone close to the individual, relayed through a minister who was involved with law enforcement. The president said he hopes the suspect will be found guilty and receive the death penalty.
The announcement followed a dayslong investigation into the Sept. 10 shooting at Utah Valley University in Orem, where Kirk, 31, the founder of Turning Point USA, was speaking under a tent as part of his "American Comeback Tour." Video from the scene shows Kirk struck by a single gunshot to the neck and then collapsed. He was taken to a hospital and later pronounced dead.
Law enforcement agencies involved in the manhunt included the FBI, local police, the Utah Department of Public Safety and the university police. Investigators recovered what they described as a "high-powered, bolt-action rifle" along a route they believe the suspect used to flee the area. Authorities also released images of a man in dark clothing they called a person of interest and said they found a palm print, a footprint and an imprint from a forearm near the scene.
Officials previously detained and later released a different person of interest after questioning, FBI Director Kash Patel said in earlier remarks. The FBI established a tipline and offered up to $100,000 for information leading to the suspect's identification and capture.
Authorities said the shot appeared to have come from an elevated position roughly 200 yards from the tent, possibly from the roof of the Losee Center building across the plaza from where Kirk was speaking. Witnesses and video showed attendees running for cover in the immediate aftermath.
Investigators were seen sweeping nearby buildings and collecting home security camera footage from a neighborhood adjacent to the campus. A homeowner told reporters that his camera captured a person running through backyards after the shooting. The FBI said a bolt-action rifle was recovered near the suspected escape route.
The killing prompted immediate national reaction. Trump posted on Truth Social that Kirk was "The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk" and described his death as a "heinous assassination." He later said he was "filled with grief and anger." Utah Gov. Spencer Cox called the shooting a "political assassination" and said it was a tragic day for the state and the nation, noting that Utah still retains the death penalty.
Vice President J.D. Vance and his wife, Usha, canceled plans to attend New York City memorial services for Sept. 11 and instead traveled to Salt Lake City. They joined others in carrying Kirk's casket aboard Air Force Two as the activist was transported back to his home state of Arizona.
Vigils and memorials were held on campus and in other communities as supporters and critics alike reacted to the killing. Online responses included both expressions of mourning and, in some instances, reprehensible celebrations; reports of celebratory remarks prompted condemnation from public figures and debate in media coverage.
Amid the heightened political climate, public figures outside elected office urged restraint. Scott Hanson, the long-time host of NFL RedZone, said in an interview that the country needs "reasonable conversation" and a renewed commitment to civil discourse in the wake of the shooting. Hanson, who spoke about the role of his Christian faith in coping with the events, said he turns to prayer in times of confusion, anger and grief and urged Americans to respect one another's rights to belief and expression.
Investigators emphasized that the inquiry remains active. Officials have not released detailed information about the arrested suspect's identity, motive or charges, and Trump acknowledged he did not want to get ahead of Justice Department and FBI disclosures, saying law enforcement would provide more details later on Friday.
The FBI and local authorities urged anyone with additional footage or information from the event to come forward as they continue forensic work, interview witnesses and pursue leads. The investigation also included searches of nearby wooded areas and residence buildings as agents worked to corroborate tips and forensic evidence.
Kirk, a prominent conservative voice and frequent campus speaker known for public debates, is survived by his wife and two children. The killing has prompted renewed debate about political rhetoric, public safety at events, and the responsibilities of social and political leaders in the nation's polarized environment as authorities continue their work to bring a final accounting of the attack.