Police captured the suspect who fatally shot conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University, President Donald Trump confirmed Friday.
Trump told Fox News he learned about the arrest five minutes before going on air and praised law enforcement.
A source close to the suspect provided authorities with information that led to the capture.
Video Footage Aids Investigation
FBI and Utah police released new footage Thursday showing the suspect fleeing after the shooting.
The video shows a person wearing sunglasses, Converse shoes, and a black long-sleeve shirt running across a roof.
The suspect jumped from the building, crossed a street, and entered a wooded area where police found a high-powered rifle.
Authorities also released images of the suspect carrying a backpack and descending a stairwell, blending into the campus crowd.
Evidence and Public Tips Drive Case
Police collected forensic evidence including fingerprints, DNA, and imprints of a shoe, forearm, and palm from the crime scene.
Officials received over 7,000 tips, the largest public response since the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing.
The FBI offered $100,000 for information leading to the suspect’s identification and arrest.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox pledged prosecutors will seek the death penalty once courts convict the suspect.
National Reaction and Political Fallout
Kirk died in broad daylight while answering a question about gun violence during his “American Comeback Tour” event.
Lawmakers from both parties condemned the assassination and highlighted the rising threat of political violence in the United States.
President Trump expressed grief, voiced concern for the country, and vowed justice for Charlie Kirk.
