United States President Donald Trump has revealed that the suspect in the fatal shooting of youth activist Charlie Kirk has been arrested after an intensive nationwide manhunt.
Trump, in a live interview with Fox News, disclosed that the breakthrough came after an insider decided to cooperate with law enforcement.
“Somebody very close to him turned him in,” Trump explained. “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 the police headquarters, and he’s there now.”
The president emphasized, “We have the person that we think is the person we’re looking for.”
The attack, which claimed the life of 31-year-old Kirk, occurred while he was delivering a speech at Utah Valley University in Orem on Wednesday. Kirk, a staunch supporter of Trump, was struck in the neck by a single bullet fired from a rooftop nearly 200 yards away.
According to police, video footage captured the shooter fleeing across rooftops before disappearing into nearby trees. A high-powered bolt-action rifle believed to have been used in the attack was recovered at the scene.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox has vowed that the state would pursue the death penalty for the assailant, describing the crime as a deliberate act of political violence.
Kirk’s remains were transported to Phoenix, Arizona, aboard Vice President JD Vance’s official plane, Air Force 2, in a move underscoring the political and national significance of the killing. Footage showed Vance solemnly placing his hands on the casket.
At Utah Valley University, students were left devastated. Dave Sanchez, 26, said, “We watch him all the time, and so it really does feel like one of your own family members, your own brother’s been killed.”
A vigil at Orem Park on Thursday drew hundreds of supporters clad in red “Make America Great Again” caps and waving American flags. Jonathan Silva, 35, said, “It still feels insane that this happened. It’s totally surreal.”
Kirk co-founded Turning Point USA in 2012 and grew into one of the most influential conservative voices on social media platforms including TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. His advocacy for gun rights, Christianity, and strict immigration policies earned him both loyal admirers and sharp critics.
The U.S. conservative movement has expressed grief and outrage, but Trump has urged his followers to remain peaceful in their response.
okay.ng reports that Kirk’s death has fueled conversations about political polarization and gun violence in the United States, further inflaming debates over the country’s divisive climate.
