
A suspect has been arrested following the fatal shooting of US podcaster and activist Charlie Kirk, President Trump announced. Kirk was gunned down on Wednesday during an appearance in Utah.
Two days after the fatal attack on right-wing nationalist US podcaster and activist Charlie Kirk, a suspect has been arrested. US President Donald Trump announced this."I think we've got him," Trump told Fox News. The suspect is reportedly in police custody.
According to Trump, a person close to the arrested man reported the suspect.
The 31-year-old Kirk was gunned down on Wednesday during an event at a university in Utah. He was considered one of the most well-known right-wing activists in the US. He had his own podcast,"The Charlie Kirk Show." Millions of people followed his social media channels and podcasts.
He was also the founder of the organization Turning Point USA, which is active in schools and universities and is committed to spreading conservative viewpoints.
Kirk was a supporter of Trump and had also supported him during the presidential campaign.
Manhunt with photos and videos of suspect
Shortly after Kirk was shot, the FBI suspected the attack was a targeted attack. They reportedly reportedly shot Kirk from a rooftop, then jumped down and disappeared into the crowd. Investigators believe Kirk was fatally wounded in the neck with a single shot from a distance of approximately 180 meters.
Investigators were able to secure a palm print at the crime scene, and shortly thereafter, the suspected murder weapon was found. According to the FBI, it was a"high-powered repeating rifle." Such weapons are used for hunting or as sniper weapons in the military.
One day after the attack, authorities released photos and a video of a suspect, whose identity was not publicly disclosed. They also offered a reward of $100,000 (approximately €85,000) for information leading to the perpetrator's arrest. Investigators have received more than 7,000 tips.
Background of the crime still completely open
Trump ordered flags flown at half-mast following Kirk's death and had already announced that he would likely attend the funeral. The casket containing the 31-year-old's body was transported to Arizona in the presence of Vice President J.D. Vance and his wife.
The circumstances surrounding Kirk's assassination remain completely unclear. A political motive has not yet been established. Nevertheless, shortly after Kirk's death, Trump blamed the political left for the attack.