US President Donald Trump on September 12, confirmed that a key suspect in the Charlie Kirk assassination case has been detained and arrested in the aftermath of an intense nationwide manhunt undertaken by the security officials.
Charlie Kirk was a conservative right-wing activist, close ally of President Trump and also was an author and podcast host. He was also the co-founder of the conservative student group Turning Point USA. In a dramatic way, he was shot dead on September 10 by a sniper while addressing a huge public gathering of 3,000 people at Utah Valley University in Orem. The sniper fired a single round that struck Charlie Kirk’s neck.
Security forces since then had launched an intense nationwide hunt for the assassinator and Trump confirmed the arrest of the suspect, however he did not disclose any information regarding the identity of the suspect. While speaking to the Fox News President Trump reiterated, “I think we have a high degree of certainty we have him in custody”. Trump further added that someone close to the suspect helped in arresting him and also the suspect’s father helped to capture him. However, Federal Bureau of Investigation(FBI) has not issued any official statement.
Meanwhile, FBI and other security officials explained the way in which the shooter did the heinous crime. The shooter arrived into the campus just before the commencement of the event and climbed the stairs to reach the rooftop. After firing, he jumped off from the rooftop and escaped into a nearby neighbourhood. Security forces have also recovered a high-powered, bolt-action rifle from the site along with the culprits palm prints and footprints. Officials also assert that the killer merged very well with the gathering as he appeared as a college student with a baseball cap, sunglasses and a black shirt having an eagle and an American flag.
Earlier on September 10, security authorities had detained two people in custody. Later, released them after confirming that they were not the people involved in the killing of Charlie Kirk. Officials have also announced a reward of US $100,000 for those who give any leads and information about the killer.
Charlie Kirk’s funerals are planned in Phoenix, Arizona and US President is said to participate in the funeral proceedings. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has also announced the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award of the United States for Charlie Kirk, posthumously.
