Trump Confirms Suspect in Charlie Kirk Shooting as FBI Faces Pressure

The fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University has sparked nationwide attention, drawing bipartisan condemnation and intense scrutiny of the FBI’s handling of the case.

On Friday morning, U.S. President Donald Trump said during a Fox & Friends interview that he believed a suspect had been arrested.

“I think with a high degree of certainty we have him in custody,” Trump said.

The Manhunt for Charlie Kirk’s Killer

The hunt for the shooter entered its third day on Friday. Newly released FBI footage showed a man in a hat, sunglasses, and a long-sleeved black shirt fleeing across a rooftop before dropping to the ground and disappearing into a neighborhood.

Officials revealed they had found key evidence, including:

• A palm print

• A shoe impression

• A high-powered hunting rifle left along the escape path

Despite these clues, the suspect’s identity and motive remain unclear.

The FBI has offered a $100,000 reward for information leading to the suspect’s capture.

Governor Spencer Cox and FBI Under Pressure

Utah Governor Spencer Cox, alongside FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino, urged the public for help. Cox also warned about misinformation campaigns spreading online:

“We have bots from Russia, China, all over the world trying to encourage violence. I urge you to ignore them.”

Cox pledged to pursue the death penalty once the killer is caught.

The FBI has faced criticism after Patel mistakenly announced on social media that a suspect had been arrested on Wednesday, only for that person to be released hours later.

Political Reactions and National Impact

The death of Charlie Kirk, a close ally of Trump and co-founder of Turning Point USA, has reignited concerns about the rise of political violence in the U.S.

Vice President JD Vance, who accompanied Kirk’s casket to Arizona, praised him for his role in the 2024 election victory:

“Charlie didn’t just help us win — he helped us staff the entire government,” Vance said.

Trump has pledged to award Kirk the Medal of Freedom posthumously and personally spoke with Kirk’s widow, Erika.

Turning Point USA released a statement describing Kirk as a “leader, mentor, husband, and father,” urging prayers for his family.

Rising Political Violence in the U.S.

The assassination has fueled debate about growing political violence across party lines.

• Trump initially blamed the “radical left” in a Wednesday address but later urged supporters to remain peaceful.

• The White House shared his call for calm after violence broke out at a vigil in Idaho.

• Republican Congressman Don Bacon noted that Democrats, too, had been recent victims, referencing the June murder of Minnesota’s former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband.

What’s Next in the Investigation?

Authorities are expected to provide more details following Trump’s statement about a suspect possibly being in custody. Until then, the FBI continues to analyze evidence and pursue leads.

The Charlie Kirk shooting has become a national flashpoint — highlighting both the dangers of political extremism and the urgent need for unity against violence in America.