Orem, UT – A suspect in the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk has been taken into custody, President Donald Trump announced Friday morning. Trump stated on Fox News that he has "a high degree of certainty" that the individual responsible for Kirk's death is now in custody, adding that someone "very close to him turned him in." The announcement comes after an intense manhunt that followed Kirk's assassination on Wednesday at Utah Valley University.

Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative figure and co-founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed by a sniper while speaking at an outdoor "Prove Me Wrong" debate on the university campus. Authorities had been searching for the shooter for over 24 hours, releasing video footage of a person of interest climbing down from a rooftop and appealing to the public for assistance. The FBI had also offered a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading to the identification and arrest of those involved.

The investigation has involved extensive efforts from state and federal law enforcement agencies. Governor Spencer Cox of Utah stated that over 7,000 digital tips had been submitted in connection with the case, the highest number of tips received since the Boston Marathon bombing. The weapon used in the shooting, described as a "high-powered, bolt-action rifle," was recovered by investigators in a wooded area near where the shooter fled.

While President Trump expressed confidence in the suspect's capture, initial reports indicated that a different individual, George Zinn, was briefly taken into custody but was later released and charged with obstruction. Other false claims circulated on social media regarding the identity of the shooter, including the comedian Sam Hyde, which authorities refuted.

Utah officials have indicated their intention to pursue the death penalty in this case. The assassination of Charlie Kirk has sent shockwaves through the nation, highlighting the deep political divisions within the United States. Further details regarding the suspect and the motive behind the killing are expected to be released as the investigation progresses.