Donald Trump Demands Death Penalty For Charlie Kirk’s Assassin

United States President Donald Trump demanded a death penalty for the assassin of Charlie Kirk, who was shot in the neck on Wednesday while answering a question on mass shootings during an open debate at Utah Valley University.

“I hope he gets the death penalty. Charlie Kirk was the finest person. He didn't deserve this. He worked so hard and so well. Everybody liked him," Trump said in an interview on Fox News.

Kirk, 31, is survived by his wife, Erica, and two young daughters.

A prominent conservative activist, Kirk was the founder of Turning Point USA and often travelled to college campuses promoting free speech.

Federal authorities have arrested the suspect in the assassination of Kirk. The FBI is yet to release the suspect’s name publicly, but sources have confirmed that the accused was apprehended in Salt Lake City, following a tip-off from a local resident who recognised the individual from surveillance footage released earlier. 

Confirming the development, Trump told Fox News, "I think, with a high degree of certainty, we have him in custody. Essentially, somebody that was very close to him turned him in."

President Trump on Thursday (US local time) said investigators are making progress in tracking down the suspect behind the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, calling the killer "a total animal."

Trump further said that Kirk was like a son to him.

"[Kirk] was like a son. He started this really during what would normally be college... and it's become a movement... I've never seen young people, or any group, go to one person like they did to Charlie," he said.

Trump told reporters he had spoken at length with Kirk's widow, Erika. "We had a long talk, and she's devastated. She's absolutely devastated, as you can imagine," he said.

When asked about a possible motive for the attack, Trump said he had "an indication" but declined to share details. "We'll let you know about that later," he added.

US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he would soon award conservative activist Charlie Kirk a Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honour.

Speaking at a ceremony outside the Pentagon marking the 24th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, Trump said the event honouring Kirk would be significant. "I can only guarantee you one thing: That will have a very big crowd," he remarked.

Also Read: We Have Him: Trump Announces On Charlie Kirk Assassin’s Arrest