NEW YORK, NY – President Donald Trump declared Friday morning that the suspect in the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk has been caught, a statement he made “with a high degree of certainty” during a live television appearance.
The President said the shooter was identified by a person close to him after a financial reward was announced. Trump said the shooter, who has yet to be identified, should face the death penalty.
Trump’s remarks came less than 24 hours after federal investigators and Utah state officials released photos and video of the person they believe is responsible for the shooting at Utah Valley University in Orem. Kirk was fatally shot Tuesday while speaking to a crowd gathered in a campus courtyard.
Law enforcement officials said more than 7,000 leads and tips have poured in since the images were released, but authorities have yet to publicly identify the suspect or reveal a motive in the killing.
At this time, the FBI has not released a statement.
Key Points
- Donald Trump said Friday the suspect in Charlie Kirk’s killing has been caught.
- Federal and state authorities released images of a person of interest but have not named the suspect.
- Investigators are still seeking a motive as thousands of public tips are reviewed.
As the investigation deepens, Trump’s claim of a capture has added new urgency to a case still unfolding.