Approximately 30 hours after the assassination attempt on right-wing nationalist US activist Kirk in Utah, a suspect has been arrested. The 22-year-old is said to have rejected Kirk's political views.
A suspect has been arrested following the fatal attack on right-wing nationalist US podcaster and activist Charlie Kirk. Authorities in the state of Utah have released initial details about the arrest. This increases evidence that the attack may have been politically motivated.
The suspect is a 22-year-old from Utah. Fox News published a police photograph of the arrested man. It shows a young white man with dark hair. According to FBI Director Kash Patel, the man was arrested Thursday evening (local time) – just over 30 hours after the Kirk assassination attempt. He is now in custody.
President Donald Trump had previously stated on Fox News that an arrest had been made and the suspect was in police custody. However, he did not provide details.
Suspect allegedly rejected Kirk's views
According to Utah Governor Spencer Cox, a family member of the 22-year-old reportedly contacted a close family friend after the young man confessed or at least implied that he had shot Kirk. According to the AP news agency, the family member was the suspect's father and a pastor friend.
The 22-year-old lived with his family in St. George. The city is located about 250 kilometers from Oram, the city where the attack was carried out. According to US media, the suspect has no criminal record. The arrested man is said to have attended high school and later studied for a time at Utah State University.
Cox further stated that the suspect has apparently become increasingly politically active recently. He was registered to vote but reportedly did not explicitly support either party. This was confirmed by statements from his family. These also revealed that the young man allegedly rejected the views of the murdered Kirk. Chat messages from the suspect, which his roommate had passed on to investigators, were also analyzed.
Cox further stated that the shooter had carved messages on several cartridges. For example, one cartridge case found near the crime scene bore the words"Hey, Fascist! Catch!" Another cartridge case read "Bella Ciao," apparently in reference to the Italian partisan anthem.
Podcaster and Trump supporter
Kirk was gunned down on Wednesday during an event at a university in Utah. The 31-year-old 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's assassination, the FBI had already spoken of a suspected targeted attack. 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.
In addition, a reward of $100,000 (approximately €85,000) was offered for information leading to the arrest of the perpetrator. Investigators have received more than 7,000 tips in total.
After Kirk's death, Trump ordered flags flown at half-mast and had already announced that he would attend the funeral. The coffin containing the 31-year-old's body was transported to Arizona in the presence of Vice President J.D. Vance and his wife. Shortly after Kirk's death, Trump blamed the political left for the incident.
