Authorities have identified 22-year-old Tyler Robinson as the prime suspect in connection to Charlie Kirk’s assassination. Officials confirmed his arrest in a press conference Friday morning.
Read more about Robinson and the investigation in our later report.
Read our earlier report below:
President Donald Trump confirmed Friday that authorities have taken a suspect into custody in connection with the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Utah.
Speaking on “Fox & Friends,” Trump said the individual was identified after someone close to him reported him to authorities. The president expressed hope that the suspect would face the death penalty.
Kirk, co-founder of Turning Point USA, was shot in the neck on Wednesday while interacting with students during his “Prove Me Wrong” tour at Utah Valley University.
He later died at a local hospital.
Authorities had previously arrested two individuals in connection with the case before the latest suspect was apprehended.
Kirk was also scheduled to make another appearance at Utah State University later this month, according to The Post Millennial.
Trump described the investigation as particularly challenging due to the limited initial evidence.
“We started off with a clip that made him look like an ant, that was almost useless,” he said. “And so much work has been done over the last two and a half days… But yeah, we’re, I think we’re in great shape. He’s in custody.”
Trump also highlighted that cooperation from someone close to the suspect was crucial in the arrest, drawing a parallel to the Boston Bomber case.
“Somebody that was very close to him said, ‘Hmm, that’s him,’ and essentially went to the father, who went to a US Marshal… who was fantastic,” Trump said.
He also praised a minister who helped bring the suspect to law enforcement.
Reflecting on Kirk’s impact, Trump spoke about the late activist’s dedication to political engagement and inspiring young conservatives.
“He was somebody that I always said was very talented… you do it well because it’s a passion. And he had a passion for the nation,” he said.
He also commented on the difficulty of watching the graphic video of the shooting, noting, “I didn’t want to watch it… I didn’t want to remember Charlie that way.”
Multiple law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, Orem Police, Utah Department of Public Safety and Utah Valley University Police, collaborated in the manhunt for the suspect.
Officials plan to provide a public update on the arrest and ongoing investigation.
In the wake of Kirk’s death, vigils have taken place across the world to honor his work with Turning Point USA, a nonprofit aimed at encouraging students to participate in politics and promoting conservative values.
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This is a breaking story and will be updated.
