• President Trump claims “with a high degree of certainty” that the suspect in Charlie Kirk’s killing is now in custody.
• Law enforcement and media outlets report the shooter remains at large, with only a rifle and surveillance images recovered.
• Confusion mounts as conflicting statements emerge between political figures and investigative agencies.

OREM, Utah (TDR) — President Donald Trump asserted Friday that the suspect in the “politically motivated” killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk has been captured “with a high degree of certainty.” The claim, made during a live interview, sparked immediate controversy as law enforcement agencies said publicly that no suspect is in custody and that the manhunt continues.

Trump’s Claim on National Television

Speaking on Fox & Friends, Trump said he had been told by “a minister close to the suspect” that the individual was handed over to authorities. He insisted that “we have him,” but offered no name, evidence, or confirmation from federal investigators.

NOW – Trump says Charlie Kirk's assassin is in custody. pic.twitter.com/frFKM2wh6b

— Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) September 12, 2025

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The president’s remarks came after investigators recovered a high-powered bolt-action rifle believed to be the murder weapon and received more than 7,000 public tips. Photos and video of a person of interest fleeing the scene were also released.

What Law Enforcement Is Saying

Despite Trump’s announcement, Utah authorities and the FBI maintain that the shooter remains at large. The Utah Department of Public Safety confirmed no arrest has been made, and two people of interest who were briefly detained were released without charges. Investigators emphasize that while evidence has been collected, they have not named or apprehended a suspect.

The FBI, along with Utah Governor Spencer Cox and FBI Director Kash Patel, held press briefings this week releasing new stills and video of the suspect. Patel himself drew criticism after appearing to prematurely suggest a capture, a statement later walked back by law enforcement.

The Evidence So Far

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Investigators discovered the rifle abandoned in a wooded area near Utah Valley University. Forensic teams lifted palm prints, shoeprints, and DNA samples from the weapon and surrounding terrain. Surveillance video shows a male suspect, wearing sunglasses, a cap, and a backpack with a U.S. flag emblem, fleeing the rooftop position from which Kirk was shot.

Despite these details, officials continue to stress that the investigation is ongoing. The FBI has asked the public for tips, urging anyone with video or eyewitness accounts to come forward.

Confusion and Fact-Checking

The ambiguity deepened after Trump’s statement spread widely online. Outlets like Al Jazeera and Politifact quickly issued fact-checks noting that, as of Friday, no arrest has been confirmed.

This gap between presidential assertion and investigative fact has left many questioning whether Trump was briefed prematurely, whether he overstated intelligence, or whether political theater is clouding an already sensitive probe. Analysts warn that conflicting statements risk undermining public trust in law enforcement at a time when tensions are already high.

Moving Forward

The case remains officially unresolved. Authorities are still canvassing the neighborhoods near Utah Valley University, reviewing thousands of hours of footage, and following leads. The FBI continues to emphasize that until an arrest is formally announced, the shooter is considered at large.

The assassination of Charlie Kirk, described by Utah’s governor as a “political assassination,” has shaken the conservative movement and raised broader questions about the climate of violence in American politics. Whether Trump’s assertion proves true or not, the public awaits definitive answers — not political claims.

Has the manhunt truly ended with a suspect in custody, or are Americans being misled by conflicting claims that risk deepening political mistrust?

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