By By Micheal Chukwuebuka
US President Donald Trump has confirmed that the suspect in the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk has been taken into custody following a nationwide manhunt.
Speaking to Fox News in a live interview on Friday, President Trump said: “Somebody very close to him turned him in. The person was involved with law enforcement, but was a person of faith, a minister, and brought him to a US Marshal who was fantastic. They drove into the police headquarters, and he’s there now. We have the person that we think is the person we’re looking for.”
The arrest comes just hours after the FBI’s Salt Lake City Field Office released surveillance footage showing the alleged gunman fleeing a rooftop moments after the 31-year-old right-wing activist was shot dead during an appearance at Utah Valley University on 10 September 2025.
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Suspect Identified
Authorities have identified the suspect as a 22-year-old Utah resident. A family member told reporters the man had become increasingly political in recent years. Inscriptions found on his weapons included the phrase: “Hey fascists! Catch!”
Officials believe the suspect acted alone in the attack, which saw Kirk struck by a single, fatal shot while addressing students.
FBI Investigation
In a statement posted on X, the FBI said the video evidence shows the suspect climbing onto a rooftop shortly before the attack and then leaping off and running away after firing the fatal shot.
Investigators later recovered the firearm and ammunition used in the shooting in a wooded area near the university. Trace evidence collected from the rooftop included shoe impressions, a forearm imprint and a palm print.
The FBI has urged members of the public with any further information to call 1-800-CALL-FBI or visit fbi.gov/utahvalleyshooting. The bureau is working closely with state and local law enforcement to secure justice in the case.
The agency had earlier announced a $100,000 reward for information leading to the suspect’s arrest and released initial photographs of a person of interest.
Legacy Of Charlie Kirk
Kirk, 31, was a prominent ally of President Trump and the founder of Turning Point USA, the largest conservative youth organisation in the United States.
Charles Kirk
He was a central figure in mobilising young voters on the American right.
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