The investigation into the shocking assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk has taken a dramatic turn after President Donald Trump announced that a possible suspect is in custody. Speaking live on Fox & Friends on Wednesday morning, the president told Americans that authorities may have apprehended the individual responsible for the fatal shooting at Utah Valley University, marking the first major breakthrough in a case that has dominated national headlines for days.
The revelation, delivered by Trump just minutes after receiving the update himself, has provided a mixture of relief, skepticism, and renewed calls for accountability in a nation still reeling from the loss of one of the most prominent conservative figures of his generation.
Trump’s Televised Announcement
During his appearance on Fox News’s flagship morning show, Trump confirmed that he had been briefed about a suspect’s capture only five minutes before walking into the studio.
“I think with a high degree of certainty we have him in custody,” the president said, adding that “someone very close” to the suspect helped turn him in.
According to Trump, the suspect’s father personally drove him to police headquarters. The president said this act of cooperation was critical in resolving the manhunt that began when Kirk was fatally shot on September 10.
The president went on to reveal that the suspect is believed to be “28 or 29,” contradicting earlier FBI reports suggesting that the shooter appeared to be of college age. “Things may change, but facts are the facts, we have who we’re looking for,” Trump insisted.
Authorities have not yet released the suspect’s name, nor have they confirmed the president’s statements. The FBI and Utah Department of Public Safety both declined immediate comment, emphasizing that the investigation is ongoing.
A Targeted Assassination
Charlie Kirk, 31, was assassinated while hosting the opening rally of his American Comeback Tour at Utah Valley University. Thousands of students and supporters were gathered in the auditorium when a bullet struck Kirk in the neck as he was answering a question.
Federal officials later revealed that the shooter had positioned himself on a rooftop overlooking the courtyard before firing a single shot. Video footage released by the FBI shows the suspect blending into the crowd after the shooting, walking across campus lawns and disappearing into nearby streets.
“This was a targeted event,” Robert Bohls, the FBI’s top agent in Salt Lake City, confirmed in a press briefing. The shooter’s planning and escape strategy have left investigators convinced that Kirk was deliberately singled out.
Trump Calls for Death Penalty
Trump’s Fox News interview not only confirmed a suspect’s reported capture but also revealed his position on sentencing should the individual be convicted.
“Kirk was the finest person and he didn’t deserve this,” Trump said. “I hope his killer gets the death penalty.”
The president went on to praise federal and state investigators for their “great job” and “working together,” noting that the search had started with almost no usable evidence.
“We started off with a clip that made him look like an ant, that was almost useless. We just saw there was somebody up there. And now it all worked out,” Trump explained.
His blunt call for capital punishment underscores both the intensity of his personal connection to Kirk and the broader national anger over the shooting. Trump has previously signaled strong support for harsher punishments in cases involving political violence.
A Nation in Mourning
The assassination has plunged the country into grief and sparked heated debate about political extremism, gun violence, and the safety of public figures. Trump ordered flags to be flown at half-mast until Sunday evening in Kirk’s honor, describing him as “a truly Great American Patriot.”
Kirk’s coffin was flown aboard Air Force Two from Utah to Phoenix, Arizona — the headquarters of Turning Point USA, the organization he founded in 2012. Thousands are expected to gather for a funeral service later this week, with Trump confirming he intends to attend.
“You don’t replace a Charlie Kirk,” the president told reporters at a 9/11 memorial service earlier this week. “He’s unique, as you all know … but we’ll do the best we can.”
Conflicting Details on the Suspect
Trump’s statement that the suspect is in custody and around 28 or 29 years old raises questions about earlier FBI characterizations. On the day of the shooting, Commissioner Beau Mason of the Utah Department of Public Safety said the suspect appeared “to be of college age.”
Bohls, the FBI agent overseeing the case, described the shooter as blending seamlessly into the student crowd after the attack, a detail that initially fueled speculation that the assailant might have been affiliated with the university.
As of now, federal authorities have not independently confirmed Trump’s announcement. Until then, speculation over the suspect’s identity and motive continues to swirl.
Family Devastated
Perhaps the most heart-wrenching detail remains the fact that Kirk’s wife, Erika Frantzve, and their two young children were present during the assassination. Witnesses say the family was near the stage when Kirk was struck, forcing them to witness the fatal shooting firsthand.
Law enforcement officials said Frantzve, a former Miss Arizona and philanthropist, has been “devastated” by the loss. Hours before her husband’s death, she posted Psalm 46:1 on social media: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
The couple’s daughter was born in August 2022 and their son in May 2024. Both were in attendance at the Utah event, underscoring the deeply personal toll of the tragedy.
Bipartisan Condemnation
Across the political spectrum, leaders have condemned the attack and offered condolences to the Kirk family.
Vice President JD Vance, visibly emotional, wrote:
“Now that Charlie is in heaven, I’ll ask him to talk to the big man directly on behalf of his family, his friends, and the country he loved so dearly. You ran a good race, my friend. We’ve got it from here.”
Former President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle issued a statement declaring that such violence “has no place in our democracy.” Kamala Harris echoed the sentiment, saying political violence “has no place in America” and warning against retaliation.
Even Trump’s fiercest critics acknowledged Kirk’s influence and the tragedy of his assassination, a rare moment of unity in an otherwise polarized political environment.
What Comes Next
With a suspect reportedly in custody, the investigation is entering a critical phase. Authorities must now confirm Trump’s announcement, establish motive, and determine whether the shooter acted alone.
The discovery of the suspected weapon — a high-powered bolt-action rifle — is under FBI laboratory analysis. Investigators are also reviewing hours of video footage from the scene, alongside tips from the public.
Trump’s claim that the suspect’s father turned him in adds a new dimension to the case, suggesting potential family dynamics that may have led to the surrender. Whether that account holds up under official scrutiny remains to be seen.
For now, the family of Charlie Kirk prepares for a funeral that is expected to draw thousands of mourners, including world leaders, activists, and ordinary supporters who credit him with inspiring their political journeys. His assassination marks one of the most significant acts of political violence in recent American history — and the capture of a suspect, if confirmed, will mark only the beginning of a long legal and political reckoning.
