By Gloria Nosa
A suspect has been taken into custody in connection to Charlie Kirk’s killing.
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The suspect is identified as 22-year-old Tyler Robinson from Utah.
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Sources say Robinson allegedly confessed or implied involvement to a family member, who then contacted authorities.
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He’s being held and is expected to be formally charged.
U.S. President Donald Trump has spoken out forcefully following the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, declaring that the suspected killer should face the death penalty if convicted. Speaking during an interview on Fox News’s Fox & Friends on Friday morning, Trump confirmed that authorities have a suspect in custody and vowed that justice would be pursued to the fullest extent.
“Well, I hope — he’s going to be found guilty, I would imagine — and I hope he gets the death penalty,” Trump said. “Charlie Kirk was the finest person. He didn’t deserve this. He worked so hard and so well. Everybody liked him.”
The Shooting that Shook Conservatives
Kirk, a well-known conservative commentator and founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot while addressing students at Utah Valley University in Orem on Wednesday. Witnesses say he was speaking about mass shootings when a gunman opened fire, striking him in the neck. Chaos followed as students scrambled to safety, while emergency responders rushed Kirk to a nearby hospital, where he later died.
The attack sparked nationwide outrage and mourning within conservative circles, with tributes pouring in for the 31-year-old activist, described by allies as a passionate advocate for free speech and American values.
Authorities launched a swift manhunt, and while details remain scarce, Trump revealed during his interview that “someone very close” to the suspect turned him in. Law enforcement has not yet released the suspect’s name or motive.
Trump’s Praise for Utah Governor and Push for Capital Punishment
During the Fox & Friends appearance, Trump praised Utah Governor Spencer Cox, who has reportedly signaled readiness to pursue the death penalty in this case.
“In Utah, they have the death penalty, and you have a very good governor there. The governor, I’ve gotten to know him, and he is very intent on the death penalty in this case,” Trump added.
Utah is one of the states that still enforces capital punishment, although it has been used sparingly in recent years. Trump’s remarks appear to signal that the federal government would fully support Utah officials should they pursue the maximum penalty.
Avoiding the Video, Preserving Kirk’s Memory
Asked about viral footage of the attack that circulated on social media, Trump said he had deliberately avoided watching the videos.
“I didn’t want to watch. I heard about it. I would have never made a good doctor, let me put it that way. I heard enough — I didn’t want to watch it, I didn’t want to remember Charlie that way,” he said.
The president stressed that Kirk should be remembered not for the tragic circumstances of his death, but for his impact on American politics and the conservative movement.
A Potential Turning Point in the Debate on Political Violence
The shocking incident has reignited concerns about political violence in the United States. While Trump insisted that the attack appears to be an “isolated case,” political analysts warn that the assassination of a high-profile conservative figure could intensify debates about security at political and academic events.
Kirk, who had long been a vocal supporter of Trump, built Turning Point USA into one of the most influential conservative youth movements in the country. His death is being described as a major blow to grassroots conservatism and has drawn reactions from Republican lawmakers, conservative media outlets, and young activists nationwide.
The Path Ahead
As investigators work to determine the shooter’s motives, Trump’s demand for the death penalty sets the tone for what could become one of the most politically charged trials in recent U.S. history.
For Kirk’s family, friends, and supporters, the immediate focus remains on grieving a man many described as “energetic, driven, and unshakably committed” to his beliefs. For the broader conservative movement, the tragedy is both a sobering reminder of the risks of public life and a rallying call to push forward Kirk’s legacy.
Trump concluded his remarks by once again emphasizing justice:
“It all worked out in terms of getting him [the suspect]. But we lost Charlie, and that is something we can never replace. Justice must be done.”
