Law enforcement captured the alleged assassin who fatally shot conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Utah on Sept. 12, ending a multi-day manhunt. President Donald Trump announced the capture, stating that a minister and the suspect’s father helped in the arrest. Law enforcement officials have not publicly confirmed the detention. The FBI recovered a high-powered bolt-action rifle believed to be the murder weapon. Kirk was killed while speaking at Utah Valley University during a fall tour. The shooting occurred on Sept. 10, with the gunman firing one fatal shot at Kirk. The suspect fled the scene and escaped into a surrounding neighborhood.
Officials released video of a person of interest in the shooting of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University, where the fatal shot was fired. The shooter was seen climbing down from a building and walking away. The FBI is offering a $100,000 reward for information leading to the suspect’s arrest. Authorities recovered a high-powered rifle with transgender and anti-fascist writing near the shooting site. The suspect traveled through the campus before and after the shooting, and investigators are analyzing evidence to track him down. Utah Gov. Spencer Cox vowed to pursue the death penalty if the case goes to trial. Authorities are urging the public to provide tips and information to help catch the shooter.
President Donald Trump states that a suspect in the killing of Charlie Kirk is in custody with a high level of certainty. The suspect was found with the help of someone close to him and has confessed to his father. Authorities are building a prosecution case and matching forensic evidence. Trump hopes the killer gets the death penalty, and Utah Governor Spencer Cox is reportedly intent on seeking the penalty. Authorities are still questioning the suspect as of Friday morning, and a news conference is scheduled for 9 a.m. ET.
President Donald Trump announced that a suspect had been taken into custody in the killing of Charlie Kirk at an event at Utah Valley University. Kirk was a prominent conservative activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA. The suspect’s capture was expected to be officially announced. The suspect’s father reportedly convinced him to turn himself in. Authorities have not disclosed the suspect’s identity or motive, but details about the shooter’s movements, a recovered weapon, and progress in the investigation were revealed. The suspect is described as a male who blended in with the college community and appeared to be college-age. Security footage showed the suspect fleeing after the shooting, leaving behind identifiable items for investigation. A high-powered rifle believed to be the murder weapon was recovered in a wooded area where the shooter fled. The FBI is offering a reward for information leading to the arrest of those involved in the assassination. Kirk was shot during an outdoor debate event and authorities believe it was a targeted attack. Utah officials are working with federal law enforcement agencies in the investigation. Utah Governor Spencer Cox stated that the state plans to seek the death penalty in Kirk’s murder.
