Police apprehended the alleged gunman who fatally shot conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Utah, President Donald Trump announced.
Trump told Fox News he learned of the arrest minutes before going on air, expressing confidence in the capture.
Reports said an acquaintance of the suspect disclosed crucial details about his location to investigators.
Surveillance Footage Reveals Escape
The FBI and Utah police released video showing the suspect fleeing after Kirk’s assassination on campus.
The footage depicted a man in sunglasses, a black shirt with an eagle, and Converse shoes escaping over rooftops.
Police later recovered a high-powered rifle believed to be the murder weapon in a nearby wooded area.
Authorities also collected fingerprints, DNA samples, and shoe and palm imprints from the escape route.
Manhunt Generates Thousands of Leads
Officials confirmed police received over 7,000 tips, the largest influx since the 2013 Boston marathon bombing.
The FBI offered a $100,000 reward for information that could help identify and secure the suspect’s conviction.
Utah’s governor Spencer Cox vowed prosecutors would pursue the death penalty for the shooter.
Political Violence Sparks Alarm
Kirk was shot while answering a question about gun violence during an appearance at Utah Valley University.
The event was part of his nationwide “American Comeback Tour,” aimed at young conservative audiences.
His assassination provoked bipartisan outrage and raised new concerns about rising political violence across the United States.
President Trump, mourning his ally, promised justice and said the attack left him worried for the nation’s future.
