In a dramatic development early Friday, President Donald Trump announced that authorities have apprehended a suspect in the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Speaking on Fox & Friends from Manhattan, Trump said he had received confirmation just minutes before his 8 a.m. interview.
“I think, with a high degree of certainty, we have him,” Trump said. “Somebody very close to him turned him in… It was relayed through a minister who works with law enforcement.”
Trump, visibly emotional, added, “I hope he’s found guilty and receives the death penalty. Charlie Kirk was the finest person—he didn’t deserve this.”
At this time, law enforcement has not publicly identified the suspect. Officials plan to hold a press briefing later Friday to provide additional details.
Gunman Allegedly Targeted Kirk From Distance
According to sources familiar with the investigation, the suspect allegedly fired a single shot from an elevated location roughly 200 yards from the tent where Kirk, 31, was speaking at Utah Valley University’s Losee Center. Early reports described the shooter as wearing jeans, a black shirt, and a black vest, positioned on a building east of the campus library, with a long rifle in hand.
Kirk, co-founder of Turning Point USA and father of two, had been responding to a question from an audience member about mass shootings involving transgender individuals when he was struck. Dramatic video footage from the event shows him jerking back and clutching his neck as panic erupted among thousands of attendees.
Trump, speaking about the footage, admitted he could not bring himself to watch it. “I heard enough… I would have never made a good doctor, let me put it that way. I didn’t want to remember Charlie like that,” he said.
Massive Manhunt Involving Multiple Agencies
The investigation has been intense, involving at least four law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, Orem Police, Utah Department of Public Safety, and Utah Valley University Police. Earlier in the week, FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that a person of interest had been taken into custody but later released. Authorities stress that this individual is not the suspect currently being pursued.
The FBI had also set up a tipline for witnesses and offered a \$100,000 reward for information leading to the suspect’s capture, signaling the urgency and seriousness of the case.
Nation Mourns Charlie Kirk
The news of Kirk’s death reverberated across the country, sparking grief and outrage. On Truth Social, Trump called him “the Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk,” praising his understanding of young Americans. In a video posted after the shooting, the former president said he was “filled with grief and anger at the heinous assassination.” He called Kirk “a martyr for truth and freedom” and described the murder as “a dark moment for America.”
Kirk, a prominent conservative voice, was widely known for his “Prove Me Wrong” debates on college campuses, where students and community members could challenge his views. He was in the middle of one of these debates as part of his “American Comeback Tour” when the tragedy occurred.
After being shot, Kirk was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he later died despite emergency surgery, according to longtime friend and former employee Laci Williams. Kirk is survived by his wife, former Miss Arizona Erika Frantzve, and their two young children.
Political and Public Reactions
Utah Governor Spencer Cox condemned the attack as a political assassination, calling it “a dark day for our state” and “a tragic day for our nation.” He reminded the public that the state of Utah still enforces the death penalty, suggesting a swift path to justice for the perpetrator.
The reaction among Kirk’s supporters has been swift and emotional. Vigils and memorials began forming on campuses and online, as followers expressed sorrow and outrage over the loss of the young activist. Social media feeds were flooded with tributes highlighting Kirk’s charisma, debate skills, and influence on American youth.
“This isn’t just the loss of a public figure,” one supporter wrote. “Charlie inspired millions to think critically and speak boldly. His voice has been silenced in the worst possible way.”
Looking Ahead
Authorities continue to gather evidence and prepare for a public update on the suspect. With emotions running high, both supporters and critics of Kirk are watching closely as the case unfolds. The assassination has already ignited fierce debate over campus safety, political violence, and the responsibilities of public figures, highlighting the tensions gripping the nation.
As the investigation progresses, one fact remains clear: the country has lost a young, passionate voice, and the hunt for justice is now at the forefront of national attention.
