The man believed to be responsible for the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk has been taken into custody, according to remarks made by President Donald Trump during a Friday morning appearance on national television.
Trump, speaking to the hosts of “Fox & Friends,” confirmed that federal agents had apprehended a suspect in the high-profile case that has captivated national attention over the past two days.
“I think with a high degree of certainty we have him in custody,” Trump said.
The revelation came amid mounting pressure on law enforcement to deliver results in the investigation into the killing of Kirk, 31, who was shot and killed on Wednesday at a Utah college campus during a public appearance.
According to authorities, a single shot from a hunting rifle struck Kirk near the chest, fatally wounding the political activist known for founding Turning Point USA and for his outspoken support of conservative values.
Trump, who has frequently credited Kirk with energizing young voters and helping boost Republican turnout in recent elections, made the announcement in what was described as an “unplanned” appearance on the Fox News morning program.
He also provided early insight into how authorities tracked down the alleged shooter.
“It was a minister who was involved with law enforcement,” Trump explained. “His good friend is a top U.S. Marshal – and they took it from there.” He later added that the tip came from a father, presumably the father of the suspect, who convinced his son to turn himself in.
The name of the suspect has not yet been released, and as of Friday morning, the FBI has not issued an official statement confirming the arrest.
However, multiple news outlets, including CNN, have reported that an individual is being questioned by investigators and is considered the prime suspect in the case.
For two days, the FBI, in coordination with Utah state police and local authorities, conducted an extensive manhunt after the gunman fled the scene on the university campus, blending in with the panicked crowd.
Surveillance footage released on Thursday showed the suspect wearing aviator sunglasses, a baseball cap, and a shirt emblazoned with an American flag design.
According to witnesses, the shooter appeared calm and deliberate before disappearing into the chaos that followed the gunshot.
The release of the suspect’s image, along with enhanced security footage, led to several public tips. But according to Trump, it was a personal relationship—a minister with ties to law enforcement and a father-son dynamic—that ultimately cracked the case.
Law enforcement agencies have yet to verify the President’s account in full, but a press briefing is expected later Friday, where officials are anticipated to reveal additional details about the identity, motive, and circumstances surrounding the suspect’s arrest.
During the interview, Trump offered strong words about the consequences he believes the suspect should face.
“Well, I hope he’s going to be found guilty, I would imagine, and I hope he gets the death penalty,” Trump said. “What he did, Charlie Kirk, he was the finest person. He didn’t deserve this. He worked so hard and so well, everybody liked him.”
The President praised Kirk’s character and leadership, crediting him as “the individual most responsible for driving young voters into the arms of Trump in last year’s elections.”
Trump’s remarks align with sentiments expressed by Utah Governor Spencer Cox, who has already stated that the state intends to pursue the death penalty if the suspect is convicted. Utah is one of several U.S. states where capital punishment remains on the books and has been upheld in recent years.
“In Utah, they have the death penalty, and you have a very good governor there,” Trump added.
News of the arrest was met with a combination of relief and anger by Kirk’s supporters, many of whom had spent the last two days attending vigils and demanding justice.
“He was a voice for our generation,” said Amanda LeClaire, a 23-year-old Turning Point USA chapter leader in Salt Lake City. “The idea that someone just walked up and took his life in cold blood was terrifying. But now, knowing that they have someone in custody—it’s a first step toward accountability.”
Across social media, conservative influencers and lawmakers quickly echoed Trump’s call for severe punishment. “No mercy,” one Congressman wrote. “This was an act of political terrorism.”
Progressives and moderates, while less likely to engage with Kirk’s politics during his lifetime, nevertheless condemned the violence and acknowledged the broader consequences of political extremism.
“Assassination is never the answer,” tweeted a Democratic senator. “This was an attack on civil society.”
The FBI’s initial investigation had not pointed to a clear motive, but Trump’s interview suggested that more would be revealed soon. He did not elaborate on whether the suspect had direct political motivations, personal grievances, or any known mental health issues.
Charlie Kirk’s death has underscored just how heated and divided political discourse has become in the United States. While he had many critics, particularly on the left, even his harshest opponents expressed shock at the manner of his death.
Kirk rose to national prominence after founding Turning Point USA in 2012 at the age of 18. The group’s focus on promoting conservative values on college campuses made him a household name in right-wing circles.
By his late twenties, Kirk was a regular guest on cable news, a speaker at major conservative conferences, and an adviser to political candidates.
Supporters admired his willingness to confront establishment narratives and speak to youth audiences about issues like socialism, free speech, and faith. Critics, meanwhile, accused him of promoting conspiracy theories and cultivating a polarizing environment on campus.
The assassination brought his life and legacy into sharp focus, with tributes pouring in from Republican leaders, conservative commentators, and thousands of followers nationwide.
Erika Kirk, Charlie’s widow, delivered an emotional speech just one day after his death, vowing to carry on her husband’s work and warning that “the cries of this widow will echo around the world like a battle cry.”
That speech has since been shared millions of times across platforms and has fueled efforts to continue Kirk’s mission in his name.
As the suspect undergoes questioning by federal investigators, the legal process is only beginning. Prosecutors are expected to bring formal charges within the next 48 hours, pending results from forensic analysis, ballistics testing, and interviews with witnesses.
Legal experts believe the case may be designated as a capital trial from the outset, especially if premeditation and political motivation are confirmed.
Security has been tightened around upcoming memorial services, and law enforcement officials have expressed concern about potential copycat acts or retaliatory violence.
Meanwhile, Turning Point USA has announced it will hold a national summit later this year to honor Kirk’s legacy and chart a path forward. Early reports suggest that Erika Kirk may take a more active role in the organization, though no official announcement has been made.
In Washington, members of Congress are reportedly drafting legislation that would enhance penalties for politically motivated violence, as well as provide increased protection for public figures.
And as the story continues to unfold, one thing is clear—the death of Charlie Kirk has changed the political landscape. With a suspect now in custody, the focus turns to accountability, healing, and the long legal process that lies ahead.
