A wreath was placed outside the United States Embassy in Pretoria on September 11, 2025, as mourners paid tribute to Charlie Kirk, a US youth activist and conservative influencer who was shot dead while addressing an audience at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.
US President Donald Trump confirmed on Friday that law enforcement had taken a suspect into custody after a nationwide manhunt. Speaking in a live Fox News interview, Trump revealed that the breakthrough came when “somebody very close” to the suspect—identified as a minister—personally turned him over to US Marshals.
“They drove him straight into the police headquarters, and he’s there now,” Trump said. “We have the person we believe is responsible.”
The 31-year-old Kirk was struck in the neck by a single gunshot while delivering remarks at Utah Valley University on Wednesday. The shooter is believed to have fired from a rooftop approximately 200 yards (180 meters) away. Hundreds of law enforcement officers across more than 20 agencies participated in the search.
Surveillance images released on Thursday showed a man dressed in jeans, Converse sneakers, a black baseball cap, dark sunglasses, and a long-sleeved shirt featuring an American flag design. The FBI later circulated video footage showing a person of interest fleeing across the campus grounds. Authorities recovered a high-powered bolt-action rifle near the suspect’s escape path.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox, alongside FBI Director Kash Patel, pledged swift justice. Cox emphasized that Utah would pursue the death penalty if the accused is convicted.
Kirk’s remains were flown to his hometown of Phoenix aboard Vice President JD Vance’s official plane. Vance was filmed solemnly resting his hands on the casket as it was carried aboard Air Force Two.
Students and residents of Orem have described their shock at witnessing the shooting. Dave Sanchez, 26, told AFP that it felt “like losing a family member.” Another attendee, Jonathan Silva, 35, said the killing was “totally surreal.”
On Thursday night, hundreds of mourners—many wearing red “Make America Great Again” caps and waving American flags—gathered in Orem Park for a candlelight vigil and moment of silence.
Charlie Kirk, often hailed by supporters as a “martyr,” co-founded Turning Point USA in 2012, building a national profile as one of the most prominent conservative youth leaders in America. A father of two, he grew a massive following across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, where he championed gun rights, Christianity, and anti-immigration policies. His sharp debating style and viral video clips earned him regular appearances on conservative television networks.
While US right-wing media outlets expressed grief and anger over the killing, Trump has urged his supporters to remain peaceful in their response.
