Washington, 12 September (H.S.): US President Donald Trump announced on Friday that law enforcement officials have apprehended the suspect believed to have fatally shot conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. Speaking on Fox News, Trump said with a high degree of certainty that the suspect is in custody and that the arrest came after someone very close to the suspect identified and turned him in.
According to Trump, a minister who is a friend to a US Marshal played a key role in facilitating the suspect’s surrender, convincing the suspect’s father to bring him to the police. The suspect, described as being 28 or 29 years old, reportedly turned himself in voluntarily to authorities.
Trump lauded Kirk as a talented young leader and likened him to a son, declaring that Kirk’s voice for young people has been tragically silenced. He also revealed that Kirk will be posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The president expressed hope that the suspect would receive the death penalty and urged for a speedy trial.
Charlie Kirk was killed by a single shot fired from a rooftop during an outdoor event at Utah Valley University, a shooting that triggered an intense FBI-led manhunt. Authorities released images and video footage of the suspect fleeing the scene, characterized by distinctive clothing such as a black T-shirt with an American flag design and Converse shoes. Over 7,000 tips have assisted investigators in the search.
An FBI press conference is scheduled to provide more comprehensive details on the capture and ongoing investigation. Meanwhile, Kirk’s widow was comforted by Vice President JD Vance’s wife as Kirk’s coffin was flown to Arizona for burial.
The arrest marks a significant development in a case that has gripped the nation, drawing widespread condemnation and calls for justice from political leaders across the spectrum. The FBI and local law enforcement agencies continue their work to ensure accountability and closure in this high-profile political assassination.
This is a developing story .
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
