US President Donald Trump has confirmed that a suspect in the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk is now in custody, ending a nationwide manhunt.
Speaking live on Fox News, Trump said he received word of the arrest just “five minutes before” his interview began, praising law enforcement for working together despite starting with “absolutely nothing.”
Father Played Key Role in Turning Suspect In
Trump revealed that the breakthrough came when someone close to the suspect alerted a minister, who then went to the suspect’s father. The father reportedly convinced his son to surrender, driving him directly to police headquarters where he was taken into custody.
Trump Pays Tribute to Charlie Kirk
The president paid a personal tribute to Kirk, describing him as “like a son” and “a brilliant guy” who helped Republicans connect with young voters through platforms like TikTok.
Trump added that he had “never seen young people go to one person like they did to Charlie,” underscoring Kirk’s influence in conservative circles.
Trump Refuses to Watch Shooting Video
When asked about the widely circulated video of Kirk’s killing, Trump admitted he had not watched it.
He explained that he did not want to remember Kirk in such a way, though he acknowledged reports that the footage was “horrific.”
Trump Calls for Death Penalty
Trump stated bluntly that he hopes the suspect receives the death penalty, calling Kirk “the finest person” who “didn’t deserve this.”
His remarks reflect both his deep personal sense of loss and his characteristic tough-on-crime stance, signaling how politically charged this case may become.
While details about the suspect remain limited, Trump suggested he was “28 or 29,” contrasting earlier reports describing him as “college age”, the US president emphasized the cooperation between local authorities, US Marshals, and community members. “It all worked out,” he said, noting that the investigation started with a blurry video clip that “made him look like an ant.”
