President Trump announced on Friday that a person was in custody in connection with the fatal shooting of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, though he noted the information was preliminary. Speaking on "Fox and Friends," he said that a minister connected to law enforcement had helped facilitate the person's surrender. A law enforcement official confirmed a man in his 20s was taken into custody in St. George, Utah, on Thursday night, about 250 miles from the scene of the crime.
Federal authorities have not released the man's name as they continue to pursue leads. This development came after two other people had been briefly detained and released on Wednesday. Following the shooting, authorities released video and photo images of a person of interest on a nearby rooftop and asked the public for assistance.
Mr. Kirk, a close ally of the president, was fatally shot while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University. Video footage showed the person fleeing across a rooftop and into a wooded area, where a high-powered bolt-action rifle was later recovered. Authorities believe the shooter, who wore a baseball cap and a black shirt with an American flag, was able to "blend in" at the campus event.
Additional Details:
- Trump's Announcement: The president's announcement on "Fox and Friends" broke from the typical protocol of a formal news conference. He stated he had learned of the arrest just moments before his interview.
- Death Penalty: Utah Governor Spencer Cox has said that prosecutors will seek the death penalty. The F.B.I. had offered a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading to the shooter's arrest.
- F.B.I. Scrutiny: The F.B.I. director, Kash Patel, has faced criticism for his handling of the investigation, especially after he prematurely announced an arrest earlier in the week.
- Final Exchange: Mr. Kirk's final conversation was with a liberal TikToker who was questioning him about mass shootings involving transgender people.
- Security Concerns: Witnesses reported that security at the event was light, with only a small number of police and private security present at the outdoor amphitheater.
- Public Reaction: The shooting has heightened national anxiety, with many people across the country expressing a sense of fear and wariness.
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