Former President Donald Trump has confirmed in an interview that a suspect is now in custody following the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on a Utah college campus earlier this week.

According to preliminary reports, Kirk — founder of Turning Point USA and an influential conservative voice — was speaking under a tent at Utah Valley University on Wednesday afternoon when a single shot struck him in the neck. He was pronounced dead shortly after.

Authorities say the suspect, whose name has not yet been released, was arrested late Thursday night without incident. Officials declined to provide further details about the individual’s motive or possible affiliations.

Kirk, 31, was a father of two and a prominent national figure. His appearance at Utah Valley University had been organized by the local chapter of Turning Point USA, the conservative student organization he founded.

Law enforcement agencies, including campus police and state investigators, are now coordinating a multi-agency inquiry. Security measures have been stepped up at universities across the state amid heightened concerns about political violence.

President Trump, speaking to reporters on Friday morning, called the incident “a horrifying attack on free speech” and praised law enforcement for acting swiftly. “This was a terrible tragedy for America,” he said.

More details are expected to emerge as investigators continue their work.