Suspect in Charlie Kirk killing now in custody, Trump confirms

Authorities have detained a suspect in the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, President Donald Trump announced Friday, saying he believes “with a high degree of certainty” that the right individual is in custody.

Four sources familiar with the matter confirmed to CNN that a man has been apprehended and is being questioned. According to two of the sources, the suspect confessed to his father that he was the shooter. The father then notified authorities and secured his son until law enforcement arrived to take him into custody.

Investigators have also released surveillance footage showing the suspect fleeing the scene. Separate video obtained by CNN captured a man matching the suspect’s description walking through a residential area near the location of the killing shortly before the incident.

With the arrest, the focus of the investigation is shifting. Former FBI assistant director Chris Swecker told CNN that officials will now move from the manhunt to building a prosecution case. That process, he explained, will involve properly Mirandizing and interrogating the suspect, matching forensic evidence to him, executing search warrants at his residence, and seizing electronic devices for further examination.

“They’re going to go through the process of matching the forensic evidence up with him … gathering evidence from whatever devices he has,” Swecker said, adding that the likely next step would be a state-level murder charge.

State and federal officials are expected to hold a joint press conference at 9 a.m. ET Friday to provide additional details on the case.