The gunman who took the life of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Utah this week is in custody. The 21-year-old college student reportedly confessed to his father, who turned him in to police.
“I think we have him,” President Donald Trump said on Friday morning. Trump said he believed “with a high degree of certainty” that the suspect is the sniper who fired the fatal shot from a rooftop at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, Sept. 10.
The FBI released photos and videos of the shooter on Thursday, Sept. 11. Additionally, a $100,000 reward was offered for his capture.
FBI releases video of the shooter who murdered Charlie Kirk. He jumps from a rooftop and runs away. Trace evidence collected from the rooftop includes shoe impressions, a forearm imprint, and a palm print. The weapon and ammunition were recovered from a wooded area. pic.twitter.com/Ihw3ZodzFf
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) September 12, 2025
Kirk’s body returned to Phoenix, Arizona aboard Air Force Two on Thursday.
Kirk’s wife, Erika, and their two minor children were with him in Utah when he was killed.
Vice President JD Vance and his wife Usha Vance flew to Utah to comfort Kirk’s family and escort the casket back to Phoenix on Air Force Two.
Usha Vance is pictured (3rd from right) holding Erika’s hand. JD Vance is behind them.
Kirk, 31, was founder and president of Turning Point USA, which is based in Phoenix.
Air Force Two landed at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Vice President Vance escorted Kirk’s casket to a waiting hearse.
The procession was led by a dozen motorcycle honor guards that headed north up State Route 51 before stopping at a mortuary in north Phoenix.
God Bless JD Vance for carrying Charlie’s casket.
Hero to Americans nationwide, just like Charlie.
Amen.
pic.twitter.com/hPQ3cEsbsC— Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) September 11, 2025
President Donald Trump announced that he will posthumously award Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the U.S.
On Thursday, U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace introduced a resolution for Kirk to lay in honor in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda in Washington, D.C.
Private citizens may lay in honor in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda if the request is granted by Congress.
Thousands of people are expected to pay tribute to Kirk in the Rotunda.
Lying in state is reserved for former presidents, Congress members, and other high-profile dignitaries.
Use of the U.S. Capitol Rotunda is controlled by the House and the Senate.
