Authorities have reportedly made an arrest in the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot while speaking at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025. President Donald Trump announced the news during a press briefing, stating that the individual in custody is believed to be the shooter with a “high degree of certainty.” The suspect’s identity has not yet been officially released to the public, but Trump noted that the individual was turned in by “someone very close” to them.
The arrest follows an intense nationwide manhunt, with over 7,000 public tips submitted to the FBI. Investigators had previously released surveillance footage and images of a person of interest—described as a college-aged male—seen entering the university’s Losee Center and fleeing the scene after the shooting. While law enforcement had initially detained two individuals shortly after the attack, both were later released without charge after being cleared of any involvement.
Evidence recovered at the crime scene played a crucial role in the investigation. A .30 caliber bolt-action rifle believed to be the murder weapon was found in a wooded area near campus. Alongside the rifle, investigators discovered a spent cartridge, a magazine with three unused rounds, and crucial forensic evidence, including palm prints, a forearm impression, and a partial footwear impression. The bullets were engraved with ideological phrases, hinting at possible extremist motivations.
The fatal shooting occurred as Kirk responded to a student’s question about mass shootings during a Turning Point USA event. His final words, “Counting or not counting gang violence?” were spoken just moments before a single gunshot struck him in the neck. Kirk collapsed in his chair as panic erupted in the crowd. He was rushed to a local hospital but was pronounced dead approximately 90 minutes later.
President Trump and other political figures from both parties condemned the killing, calling it a “political assassination.” Trump also ordered all U.S. flags to be flown at half-staff in Kirk’s honor. International leaders echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of protecting free speech and political expression in democratic societies.
While an arrest has brought some sense of progress, many questions remain unanswered. Authorities have yet to confirm whether the suspect acted alone or as part of a larger network. The investigation is ongoing, with the FBI pledging full transparency as they continue to gather evidence and determine the motive behind one of the most politically charged killings in recent American history.
