In a dramatic new development surrounding the shocking assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, President Donald Trump has announced that authorities believe they have the suspected killer in custody. Speaking during a Fox News interview, Trump expressed confidence that the individual responsible for Kirk’s death has been captured and suggested that the case is moving toward a conclusion.
“I think we have him,” Trump told viewers, his tone firm and direct. “I think with a high degree of certainty we have him in custody. He’s in custody.”
The Capture and How It Happened
Trump revealed that the suspect was not tracked down solely through standard investigative methods but was turned in by someone close to him. According to the president, a person described as “a minister, father” came forward with critical information that led to the capture.
“Someone that was very close to him turned him in,” Trump said. “A minister, father helped in his capture. That’s what really made the difference.”
Although Trump stopped short of naming the alleged assassin or providing specific details about the suspect’s background, he left little doubt that authorities believe they have identified the right individual. “Things may change, but facts are the facts,” he emphasized. “We have who we’re looking for.”
Trump’s Call for Justice
The president did not hold back when asked what kind of punishment he believed the killer should face. “I hope he’s gonna be found guilty, I would imagine, and I hope he gets the death penalty for what he did,” Trump declared. His words underscored the gravity of the crime and the anger it has sparked among Kirk’s supporters and within the conservative movement at large.
Prosecutors are expected to pursue the most serious charges available under federal and state law. If the case proceeds as Trump suggested, the death penalty could be on the table—a rare but not unprecedented outcome in high-profile assassinations.
Kirk’s Death and Its Aftermath
Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old co-founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot on September 10 while speaking before a crowd at Utah Valley University. The assassination stunned political allies and opponents alike, with reactions pouring in from across the nation.
Kirk had become a major figure in conservative activism, known for his outspoken defense of free-market economics, opposition to progressive policies, and efforts to galvanize young voters. His death left a leadership vacuum at Turning Point USA, the organization he founded as a teenager that grew into one of the most influential conservative youth groups in the country.
More than 60,000 people attended Kirk’s memorial service at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, where Trump himself gave an emotional speech. He described Kirk as “like a son,” praising his brilliance, energy, and unwavering dedication to the conservative cause.
A Personal Loss for Trump
In his Fox News interview, Trump went further, highlighting the personal bond he shared with Kirk. “He was like a son to me,” the president said, visibly emotional. “Charlie was a brilliant guy. He helped me with TikTok. He had ideas that nobody else had, and he knew how to reach people—young people especially.”
Trump’s remarks underscored how close the two had grown in recent years. Kirk was not just a political ally but a trusted confidant and strategist who supported Trump’s 2024 campaign and worked behind the scenes to strengthen his ties with younger voters.
An Investigation Still Unfolding
While Trump expressed near certainty that the suspect in custody is the assassin, he acknowledged that the investigation remains ongoing. Federal and local law enforcement officials are expected to continue gathering evidence, conducting interviews, and exploring whether the suspect acted alone or with accomplices.
Earlier reports indicated that the FBI has been investigating possible connections between the suspect and online extremist groups. Authorities are also analyzing digital communications, including a controversial Discord chat that may have contained incriminating discussions.
Trump, however, insisted that the momentum is moving in the right direction. “We’re going to get justice,” he promised. “This is a terrible tragedy, but we will not stop until we know everything and everyone involved.”
Political and National Impact
Kirk’s assassination has not only devastated his family and supporters but has also reverberated across the broader political landscape. His death has become a rallying cry for conservatives, many of whom see the attack as not just an act of violence against a man but as a strike at the movement he represented.
Trump’s vow to secure the harshest possible punishment for the assassin is likely to strengthen his standing with Kirk’s supporters. At the same time, it raises questions about how the legal process will unfold, especially given the high-profile nature of the case and the potential for political divisions over capital punishment.
Carrying the Torch
In the wake of Kirk’s death, his widow Erika Kirk has been elected CEO and chair of Turning Point USA. In emotional remarks, she promised to continue her husband’s mission and vowed never to let his legacy fade. Trump praised her resilience and leadership, describing her as “a strong woman who will carry Charlie’s vision forward.”
For Trump and the conservative movement, the capture of the suspected assassin marks a critical step toward closure in a tragedy that has shaken them deeply. Yet as the investigation continues, the nation waits for clarity on the full story—who was behind the killing, why it happened, and whether justice will ultimately be served.