In a TV interview, US President Donald Trump talks about the investigation into the death of activist Charlie Kirk – and then announces that the suspected shooter has “most likely” been caught.
US President Donald Trump has announced the arrest of a suspect in the attack on right-wing activist Charlie Kirk. He believes the shooter is"most likely" in custody, Trump said during an appearance on Fox News.
He didn't want to reveal too many details. However, the US President added that someone close to the suspect had betrayed him. He recognized the wanted man from photos."Someone very close to him said, 'That's him.'" Trump explicitly praised the authorities' work.
Charlie Kirk, a 31-year-old podcaster and supporter of US President Trump, was shot and killed on Wednesday during a performance at a university in Utah. Kirk was a co-founder of the organization Turning Point USA and was considered Trump's voice for youth.
The FBI had searched for the fugitive perpetrator using photos and a video. The federal police also offered a reward of $100,000 (just over €85,000) for information leading to the perpetrator's capture.
Authorities are holding back
Police in the state of Utah arrested a man Thursday night, the New York Times reports. Federal authorities are not releasing his name yet, as they are still following up on leads and executing search warrants.
Investigators believe Kirk was fatally wounded in the neck with a single shot fired from a distance of approximately 180 meters. Officials recovered the suspected murder weapon. The FBI said it was a precision weapon, such as those used by hunters or military snipers.
Trump attributed the attack to political polarization in the US and blamed the"radical left" for it. He also ordered US flags to be flown at half-staff until Sunday in honor of Kirk. Numerous politicians, both Democratic and Republican, condemned the attack.
In an interview with Fox News, Trump also said he hopes the perpetrator will receive the death penalty. Earlier, Utah's Republican governor, Spencer Cox, said Thursday evening (local time) that preparations were underway to request the death penalty. He believes it was a"political assassination."
ll with dpa/AFP
