Tyler Robinson, the suspected killer of Charlie Kirk
US President Donald Trump says a suspect linked to the shooting of Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA, is now in police custody.
Speaking on Fox & Friends on Friday, Trump said the arrest came after “someone very close” to the suspect tipped off authorities.
The president said the suspect’s father worked with a US Marshal to bring his son in, adding that the tipster was a “person of faith and minister” who also had ties to law enforcement.
“I think with a high degree of certainty, we have him in custody. Everyone did a great job. We worked with the local police, and the governor,” Trump said.
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“Essentially somebody that was very close to him turned him in. The father convinced the son. They drove into the police headquarters, and he’s there now. We have the person that we think is the person we’re looking for.”
Trump added that the suspect is “28 or 29 years old”, clarifying earlier descriptions that the gunman appeared to be of college age.
He acknowledged he received only a short briefing prior to the interview, saying “I’m always subject to correction, but I’m just giving you based on what I’m hearing”.
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Kirk, a close ally of Trump, was shot while delivering a speech at Utah Valley University (UVU) in Orem, Utah, on Wednesday. He later died from the injuries.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) later released photos of a “person of interest” and announced a $100,000 reward for information on the shooter.
A rifle believed to have been used in the attack was also recovered in nearby woods.
Trump, who described Kirk as “talented” and “like a son”, confirmed the activist’s body will be flown to Arizona aboard Air Force Two.
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He also said the activist would be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously.
The president urged a speedy trial and death penalty for the suspected killer.
