Police captured the suspect 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 the broadcast and said authorities held the suspect securely.
A source close to the alleged gunman revealed the suspect’s location, aiding law enforcement in making the arrest.
Video Evidence Tracks Suspect’s Escape
FBI and Utah police released video Thursday showing the suspect fleeing after shooting Kirk on campus.
Utah Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason said public tips provided crucial leads during the ongoing manhunt since Wednesday.
The footage shows the suspect wearing sunglasses, Converse shoes, and a black long-sleeve shirt with an American flag.
The suspect ran across a roof, jumped to the ground, and fled into a nearby wooded area.
Police recovered a high-powered rifle in the woods, believed to be the weapon used to kill Kirk.
Investigators released additional photos showing the suspect carrying a backpack and descending a stairwell on campus.
Evidence and Leads Build Case
Law enforcement collected rifle imprints, palm and forearm marks, fingerprints, and DNA from the building edge the suspect jumped.
Mason said the suspect blended easily into campus and appeared to be of college age.
Authorities admitted they did not know whether the suspect remained in Utah or fled to another state.
Police have received over 7,000 tips—the largest number since the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing investigation.
The FBI offered $100,000 for information leading to the identification and arrest of the shooter.
Public and Political Reactions
Utah Governor Spencer Cox promised prosecutors would pursue the death penalty once courts convict the suspect.
Kirk died in broad daylight while answering a question about gun violence at Utah Valley University.
The shooting occurred during the start of Kirk’s “American Comeback Tour” of college appearances.
Lawmakers from both parties condemned the assassination and warned of rising political violence in the United States.
President Trump expressed grief, pledged justice, and said he worried about the nation following Kirk’s murder.
