Trump confirms suspect in Charlie Kirk’s killing arrested

US President Donald Trump told Fox News on Friday that the suspect in the shooting and killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk has been taken into custody, following more than 24 hours of intensive searches by authorities.

The alleged sniper was earlier described as a college-aged male after the FBI released a blurry video showing him entering the university campus and fleeing the scene shortly after Kirk’s assassination.

Speaking to the media about the latest development in the high-profile murder that has shaken the United States, Trump revealed that an acquaintance of the suspect had tipped off law enforcement.

“I think we have him,” Trump said, adding, “I think with a high degree of certainty we have him in custody.”

Kirk, 31, an author, podcast host, and president of the conservative youth group Turning Point USA, was shot on Wednesday while addressing students at Utah Valley University in Orem. The event, titled “Prove Me Wrong”, drew a crowd of nearly 3,000 people.

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President Donald Trump condemned the attack, calling it a “heinous assassination.”

Authorities said the assailant arrived on campus just minutes before the lecture began. Security footage captured the suspect climbing to the roof of the building, where he opened fire. Kirk was struck in the neck whie responding to a question from the audience, sparking panic and a stampede.

FBI Special Agent Robert Bowles stated that the gunman fled by jumping from the roof and disappearing into a nearby neighborhood. The rifle was later discovered in a forested area close to the campus.

Trump announced that Kirk will be posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor.