Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that a person suspected of involvement in the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk is currently in custody.
Trump made the disclosure during an interview on Fox News on Friday, describing the development as “preliminary” but insisting that it was the individual authorities had been seeking.
According to Trump, a law enforcement officer who also serves as a minister contacted the father of the suspect, leading to the individual being handed over to authorities.
However, at the time of this report, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and other law enforcement agencies have not officially confirmed Trump’s statement.
Background on the Incident
Charlie Kirk, a well-known conservative activist and close ally of Trump, was fatally shot while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on Wednesday.
Authorities had earlier released video and photo images of a person spotted on the roof of a nearby building during the attack. In the footage, the suspect was seen running across the roof, dropping to the ground, and then crossing a busy street before disappearing into a wooded area.
Officials had pleaded with the public for information that could help identify the individual. Trump’s statement now suggests progress in the investigation, though official confirmation remains pending.