Trump Confirms Arrest in Charlie Kirk Assassination Case; FBI Recovers Murder Weapon

Washington: In a dramatic turn following the shocking assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, US President Donald Trump on Friday confirmed that the suspect linked to the killing has been taken into custody.

Speaking to Fox News, Trump said, “I think with a high degree of certainty, we have him in custody. Somebody that was very close to him turned him in.” The President praised the swift action of Utah law enforcement and the governor, noting that an official announcement would be made later in the day.

Kirk, a close ally of Trump and founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot in the neck on Wednesday while addressing thousands at Utah Valley University as part of his ‘American Comeback Tour.’ The brazen attack, captured in viral videos, left the nation stunned.

A day earlier, the FBI released images of the suspect, described as a college-aged man wearing a cap, black sunglasses, a black long-sleeved shirt, and jeans. FBI Special Agent Robert Bohls later confirmed the recovery of a high-powered bolt-action rifle believed to be the murder weapon, found in nearby woods.

Authorities have not yet revealed the suspect’s identity, but sources suggest the tip-off came from someone within his close circle. The FBI emphasized that law enforcement teams had been working “around the clock” in one of the most intense manhunts in recent memory.

Meanwhile, President Trump has announced that Kirk will be posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. While no ceremony date has been finalized, the announcement underscores Kirk’s influence as a leading conservative voice and one of Trump’s most ardent supporters.