Donald Trump confirmed that the man suspected of killing Charlie Kirk during a speech at Utah Valley University is now in custody, ending a tense 48-hour manhunt that drew national attention.
Kirk was gunned down on September 10, 2025 while addressing students at the Orem, Utah campus. Authorities say the shooter fired from a rooftop before fleeing on foot into nearby woods. Surveillance footage captured a person dressed in black sprinting across buildings. A Mauser .30-06 bolt-action rifle, wrapped in a towel, was later recovered by the FBI. Trump said the suspect, described as 28 or 29 years old, turned himself in after a minister recognized him and contacted his father.
The suspect’s identity has not yet been released by law enforcement. FBI Director Kash Patel is expected to provide further details during a press briefing later Friday. Kirk, who co-founded Turning Point USA at just 18, became a prominent figure in conservative youth politics. His organization helped mobilize thousands of young voters and played a significant role in Trump’s political base.