Authorities apprehended the suspected gunman who fatally shot conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Utah, President Donald Trump confirmed Friday.
Trump told Fox News he learned about the arrest minutes before his appearance and expressed confidence in custody.
A source close to the alleged shooter revealed the suspect’s location, leading police to make the arrest.
Investigation and Public Assistance
FBI and Utah police released footage Thursday showing a suspect fleeing after Kirk’s assassination on the university campus.
Utah Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason said public tips provided vital leads in the ongoing manhunt.
The video shows a suspect wearing sunglasses, Converse shoes, and a black American flag shirt running across a roof.
The suspect then jumped to the ground, crossed a busy street, and entered a wooded area.
Authorities recovered a high-powered rifle in that area, which they believe is the weapon used to kill Kirk.
Officials released photos of the suspect carrying a backpack and descending a stairwell, wearing the same clothing.
Evidence Collection and Forensics
Police collected a rifle, forearm, palm, and shoe imprints, as well as potential fingerprints and DNA from the scene.
Investigators received more than 7,000 tips, the highest volume since the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing.
The FBI offered a reward of $100,000 for information leading to the suspect’s arrest and identification.
Response from Authorities
Utah Governor Spencer Cox vowed prosecutors would seek the death penalty once they convict the shooter.
Kirk died in broad daylight while answering a question about gun violence at Utah Valley University.
The event marked the start of Kirk’s planned college tour, “The American Comeback Tour.”
National Reaction and Condemnation
Republican and Democrat lawmakers condemned the assassination and warned about rising political violence in the United States.
President Trump expressed grief, voiced concern for the country, and pledged to bring Kirk’s killer to justice.
