A man is in custody over the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, said President Donald Trump, adding that the suspect was turned in by his father after a minister in law enforcement intervened.
Trump names 22-year-old Tyler Robinson as suspect in Charlie Kirk shooting
President Donald Trump publicly identified the suspect in the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk as Tyler Robinson, 22, saying on "Fox & Friends" that “with a high degree of certainty” the man is in custody after being turned in by his father with help from a minister in law enforcement. Major outlets, citing officials, also named Robinson as the detainee; federal authorities have not yet released a formal charging document.
Kirk, 31, was fatally shot on Wednesday while speaking at an outdoor event at Utah Valley University in Orem. Investigators say the gunman fired from a nearby rooftop and escaped; surveillance video shows the suspect sprinting across the roof, dropping to the ground, crossing a busy road and disappearing toward a wooded area. A high-powered bolt-action rifle believed to be the murder weapon was later recovered.
Reuters
Authorities released images of a slender, college-aged man wearing a baseball cap, dark sunglasses and a black long-sleeve shirt featuring an eagle and U.S. flag. The FBI says the individual arrived around noon, accessed a campus rooftop, and left behind trace evidence including a forearm imprint, a palm print and footwear impressions that are now being analysed.
Before Friday’s detention, the FBI offered up to $100,000 for tips, fielded thousands of leads, and appealed for public help with video from the scene. Utah’s governor has said prosecutors will seek the death penalty once charges are filed.
Based on reporting from The New York Times and Reuters
