Donald Trump confirmed the arrest of the suspect in Charlie Kirk’s deadly taking pictures simply minutes earlier than going dwell on nationwide tv.

Donald Trump confirmed that the person suspected of killing Charlie Kirk throughout a speech at Utah Valley University is now in custody, ending a tense 48-hour manhunt that drew nationwide consideration.

“I think with a high degree of certainty we have him in custody,” Trump mentioned on Fox & Friends Friday morning (September 12), including he was knowledgeable of the arrest only a few minutes earlier than going dwell.

Kirk, 31, was gunned down on Wednesday (September 10) whereas addressing college students on the Orem, Utah campus.

Authorities say the shooter fired from a rooftop earlier than fleeing on foot into close by woods. Surveillance footage captured an individual wearing black sprinting throughout buildings. A Mauser .30-06 bolt-action rifle, wrapped in a towel, was later recovered by the FBI.

Trump mentioned the suspect, described as 28 or 29 years previous, turned himself in after a minister acknowledged him and contacted his father.

“The father convinced the son,” Trump mentioned. “They drove into the police headquarters, and he’s there now.”

The suspect’s identification has not but been launched by legislation enforcement. FBI Director Kash Patel is anticipated to offer additional particulars throughout a press briefing later Friday.

Kirk, who co-founded Turning Point USA at simply 18, grew to become a distinguished determine in conservative youth politics. His group helped mobilize hundreds of younger voters and performed a major function in Trump’s political base.

Trump additionally introduced that Kirk can be posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom and confirmed he’ll attend the funeral in Arizona.

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