President Donald Trump confirmed Friday that the suspect in the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk has been apprehended with "high certainty." Federal and state authorities had earlier released images and a video of the suspected shooter. Kirk, a prominent conservative figure and ally of Trump, was shot while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem. The attack occurred in broad daylight, with disturbing footage showing Kirk being struck by a bullet during a public address on social issues.
Over 7,000 tips have been received as part of the investigation, but authorities have not yet identified the suspect or provided a motive. The FBI's Robert Bohls confirmed it was a "targeted event." The shooter fired from a rooftop and then blended into the crowd, disappearing after the attack.
Trump, along with other political leaders, condemned the violence and announced plans to award Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously. Kirk’s funeral will be attended by Trump, and his body was flown to Phoenix for services, where his organization, Turning Point USA, is based.
Kirk, known for his divisive views, was taking questions on gun violence moments before the shooting. His appearance sparked protests on campus, with some students barricading themselves in classrooms for safety. The shooting continues to draw bipartisan outrage, reflecting ongoing concerns about political violence in the U.S.