Breaking: President Trump Says Person of Interest in Charlie Kirk Killing Has Been Taken Into Custody

President Donald Trump announced Friday that, “with a high degree of certainty,” the person of interest in the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk has been taken into custody, marking a dramatic development in a case that has riveted the nation.

Federal and state investigators had released surveillance photos and video earlier in the probe showing a figure climbing down from a rooftop near the site of the attack; officials have also recovered physical evidence they say is tied to the shooting. At the time of the video and photo release investigators urged the public for tips as the manhunt continued.

Conflicting statements and ongoing investigation

News organizations and law-enforcement sources have reported confusion in the hours after the shooting, when conflicting public statements about suspects led to criticism from some officials. Federal authorities and Utah law enforcement said they were continuing the investigation and had not publicly released a named suspect or full confirmation beyond the president’s statement. Earlier in the probe a high-profile announcement that a suspect had been detained was later described by some officials as premature, a development that drew scrutiny.

What happened at the event

Kirk was shot on Sept. 10 while speaking at an outdoor Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University before a crowd estimated in the thousands. Video that circulated widely shows Kirk speaking when a single shot rang out; he was struck and later died from his injuries. Authorities say the shot was fired from a rooftop in the vicinity of the speaking area.

Investigators say the suspect arrived on campus about 30 minutes before the shooting and moved through stairwells up to a rooftop; after the shot, the figure is seen jumping down from the building and fleeing across campus into nearby woods. Law enforcement has been canvassing neighborhoods and checking surveillance footage and doorbell cameras along the possible route.

Evidence recovered and leads

Officials have said investigators recovered a high-powered bolt-action rifle believed to be the weapon used in the attack, along with a footwear impression, a palm print and other trace evidence taken from the scene and surrounding area. The FBI and Utah authorities released still images of the person of interest and said they had received thousands of tips from the public. A reward of up to $100,000 has been offered for information leading to an arrest.

Political reaction and next steps

The killing prompted swift condemnation from leaders across the political spectrum. Utah Gov. Spencer Cox called the shooting a “political assassination” and said state officials were prepared to pursue the death penalty if the case reached trial; federal investigators continue forensic testing and follow-up on tips. Vice President J.D. Vance and other national figures have also traveled or spoken publicly in the aftermath of the slaying.

What remains unclear

While President Trump announced his belief that the person of interest is in custody, authorities have not yet released a full accounting of any arrest, the identity of a suspect, or formal charges. Investigators say the probe remains active and are asking anyone with photos, video or other information from the area on Sept. 10 to contact the FBI tip line.