Breaking: Charlie Kirk Suspect in Custody, Trump Says

President Donald J. Trump confirmed Friday morning that law enforcement has taken into custody a suspect believed to be responsible for the murder of Turning Point USA founder and conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.

“I think, with a high degree of certainty, we have him in custody,” Trump announced during an appearance on Fox & Friends.

The president praised the rapid coordination between federal and local authorities. “Everyone did a great job, we worked with the local police, the governor. Everybody did a great job,” Trump said, noting that investigators worked tirelessly since the assassination attempt earlier this week.

Trump emphasized that photos widely distributed by law enforcement played a critical role in identifying the suspect. “Somebody who was very close to him turned him in,” Trump explained. He added that the tip came through a man of faith. “The person was involved with law enforcement, but was a person of faith, a minister. And they brought him to a U.S. marshal, who was fantastic, and the father convinced the son that this is it.”

The president said the breakthrough proved the effectiveness of strong cooperation between citizens and law enforcement. “So much work has been done in the last two and a half days. I think we’re in great shape,” he said.

Trump made clear his expectations for justice: “I hope he’s going to be found guilty and I hope he gets the death penalty.”

The arrest marks the most significant development yet in the investigation into Kirk’s murder, a crime that has shaken conservatives across the country and galvanized demands for swift and decisive accountability.