Trump confirms suspect in Charlie Kirk killing in custody

US President Donald Trump confirmed on Thursday that the suspect in the killing of right-wing controversial figure Charlie Kirk is now in custody.

Speaking on Fox & Friends, Trump said he was “highly confident” the individual had been apprehended, adding that “someone very close” to the suspect helped authorities locate him. Trump did not disclose the identity of the person who provided the tip but promised further updates later in the day.

“I heard the suspect was in custody five minutes before I walked in,” Trump said. He praised local authorities for their coordination, stating, “They did a great job, everybody worked together. It all worked out.”

Trump also expressed his hope that the killer would face the death penalty. “Kirk was the finest person and he didn’t deserve this,” he said.

The President paid a personal tribute to Kirk, calling him “like a son” and “a brilliant guy” who played a key role in helping him reach younger voters on social media platforms like TikTok.

“I’ve never seen young people go to one person like they did to Charlie,” Trump remarked.

Trump added that he had avoided watching the video of the shooting, saying he did not want to remember Kirk in that way, and noted that he had heard the footage was “horrific.”