A suspect has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of U.S. conservative activist Charlie Kirk, President Donald Trump announced on Friday.
Speaking during a live interview with Fox News, Trump revealed that the suspect was handed over to authorities by a religious leader. “Somebody very close to him turned him in,” Trump said.
“The person was involved with law enforcement, but was a person of faith, a minister, and brought him to a U.S. Marshal who was fantastic. They drove into the police headquarters, and he’s there now.”
The arrest comes after an extensive search that involved hundreds of agents from more than 20 law enforcement agencies. Kirk, 31, was killed on Wednesday when a sniper fired a single shot as he addressed students at Utah Valley University.
According to investigators, the gunman was positioned on a rooftop nearly 200 yards away and struck Kirk in the neck.
Images released by police on Thursday showed the alleged shooter dressed in jeans, a long-sleeved shirt with an American flag design, a black cap, and sunglasses. Surveillance footage also captured the suspect running across a rooftop before fleeing the university grounds, where officers later recovered a high-powered bolt-action rifle.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox has vowed that prosecutors will seek the death penalty. “We will pursue the highest punishment under the law for this heinous act,” Cox said in a statement.
The attack has rattled communities in Utah and beyond, sparking vigils and tributes. Students at Utah Valley University described the killing as both shocking and frightening.
“We watch him all the time, and so it really does feel like one of your own family members, your own brother’s been killed,” said 26-year-old Dave Sanchez.
At a candlelight vigil in Orem Park on Thursday evening, hundreds of mourners wearing red “Make America Great Again” caps prayed and observed a moment of silence. “It still feels insane that this happened,” said Jonathan Silva, 35. “It’s totally surreal.”
Kirk, co-founder of the conservative youth group Turning Point USA, built a massive following on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.
His outspoken views on immigration, Christianity, and gun rights made him a prominent voice on American campuses and a close ally of Trump.
Although many right-wing outlets described Kirk as a “martyr,” Trump urged his supporters to avoid retaliation. “We have the person we think is responsible,” he said, stressing that justice would follow through lawful means.