President Trump Announces Suspect in Custody for Charlie Kirk Assassination, Addresses National Safety Crisis

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President Trump Announces Suspect in Custody for Charlie Kirk Assassination, Addresses National Safety Crisis

President Trump reveals breaking news about the arrest of the suspect in the Charlie Kirk assassination during an exclusive interview with Fox & Friends. The suspect was turned in by someone close to him, with help from a minister and the suspect's father. Trump reflects on the loss of Charlie Kirk, calling him one of the finest people who worked tirelessly to reach young voters and build Turning Point USA into a movement. Trump also addresses the broader national safety crisis, announcing plans to deploy National Guard to Memphis and potentially Chicago, while reflecting on making America safe again through merit-based policies and swift justice.

Categories: News
September 12, 2025

Breaking News: Suspect in Custody for Charlie Kirk Assassination

President Trump delivered breaking news during a Fox & Friends interview, announcing that authorities have the suspect in the Charlie Kirk assassination in custody. The President explained that the breakthrough came when someone very close to the suspect recognized him from photographs released to the public.

According to Trump, a minister involved in law enforcement, who was good friends with a top U.S. Marshal, played a crucial role in the apprehension. The suspect's father was also involved, ultimately convincing his son to turn himself in. They drove together to police headquarters where the suspect is now being held.

Trump emphasized that while he's subject to being corrected as details emerge, authorities are confident they have the person they were looking for. The President noted that this type of breakthrough happens when law enforcement releases good photographs and someone close to the suspect recognizes subtle details like the tilt of the head.

Trump Remembers Charlie Kirk as Family

President Trump became visibly emotional when discussing Charlie Kirk, describing him as being like a son to him. Kirk got involved with Trump's movement 11 years ago as a brilliant young man who didn't complete college because he found it boring, though Trump noted he would have excelled if he had chosen to finish.

Trump praised Kirk's unique ability to connect with young people in a way he had never seen before. Kirk would travel to universities across the country and draw crowds of 5,000 to 10,000 people, bigger than any other speaker. The President credited Kirk with helping him win the youth vote, something no Republican had ever accomplished.

The President revealed that his son Barron had specifically requested to meet Charlie Kirk, and after their lunch together, Barron told his father that Kirk was great. Trump described Kirk's message as fundamentally good, focusing on family values, marriage, and traditional principles while connecting with a diverse group of young people.

Death Penalty and Swift Justice

When asked about the fate of the suspect, Trump stated he hopes the individual will be found guilty and receive the death penalty. He noted that Utah has the death penalty and this will be a federal case. The President believes Kirk was targeted because of his political ideology.

Trump expanded on the need for swift trials in cases where suspects are caught on camera. He cited the example of the individual who killed a young woman on a train in New York, noting that trials often take six to eight years when they should happen quickly. Trump referenced how other countries handle such cases more swiftly, though he distinguished between due process and unnecessary delays.

National Guard Deployment to Memphis and Other Cities

President Trump announced that National Guard will be deployed to Memphis, Tennessee, with the support of both the Democratic mayor and the Republican governor. Trump described Memphis as deeply troubled and promised to fix the crime problem as he did in Washington, D.C.

The President shared a conversation with the head of Union Pacific Railroad, who serves on the FedEx board and experiences Memphis firsthand. The railroad executive told Trump that he requires an armored vehicle with bulletproof glass to travel just one block to his hotel in Memphis.

Trump expressed a strong desire to save Chicago as well, despite Governor Pritzker's opposition. He recounted how the railroad executive pleaded with him not to lose Chicago, calling it a great city on the verge of being lost permanently. Trump noted that Chicago regularly sees six to nine people killed every weekend with 30 to 40 shot, numbers he compared unfavorably to war zones.

Washington D.C. Transformation Success

The President highlighted the dramatic transformation of Washington, D.C., which he described as probably the single worst place in the country for crime before his administration's intervention. Trump stated that D.C. is now essentially crime-free, with crime down 87 percent.

Trump shared that he can now stand in the middle of the street for interviews, something that would have been dangerous just months ago. The city is being physically improved with new medians and fresh asphalt. The President noted that people from across the country can now visit their capital without fear of violence.

The D.C. mayor, initially opposed to the National Guard presence, has now asked them to stay beyond the initial 30-day deployment. Trump noted that residents are bringing coffee to the National Guard members and thanking the mayor for the improved safety.

Merit-Based Hiring and Supreme Court Decisions

President Trump praised the Supreme Court for making what he called a big decision on merit-based hiring and policies. He stated that jobs should go to the most qualified people regardless of gender, race, or other factors unrelated to competence.

Trump connected this to the military and law enforcement, noting that when visitors see the strong soldiers deployed in Washington, they're witnessing merit-based selection. These are people who are equipped for the job, not selected to meet quotas.

Yankees Game and Aaron Judge

The President attended a Yankees game where he met with players before the game, including Aaron Judge. Trump joked that he told the team they had to win because he would look bad if they lost. Judge went on to hit two home runs and a single in what Trump called an epic performance.

Trump recalled his conversation with Judge, joking about wishing he were a little bigger despite Judge's imposing size. The President marveled at Judge's forearms, saying he had never seen arms that big even on weightlifters. Trump compared himself to legendary football coach Knute Rockne, taking credit for inspiring the win.

Foreign Policy: Ukraine, Russia, and Middle East

Trump addressed the ongoing challenges with Russia and Ukraine, expressing frustration that this is the only war among seven he has worked on that remains unsolved. He described tremendous hatred between Putin and Zelenskyyy, noting that when one wants to negotiate, the other doesn't.

The President warned that his patience with Putin is running out and running out fast. He outlined plans to impose harsh sanctions on Russian banks and oil, along with tariffs. Trump noted he already placed a 50 percent tariff on India buying oil from Russia, which caused a rift with India but significantly impacted Russia's revenue.

Trump emphasized that NATO countries are now paying for military equipment sent to Ukraine, representing a major shift from the previous arrangement where America spent $350 billion while Europe spent $100 billion. He got NATO to raise contributions from 2 percent to 5 percent of GDP.

On the Middle East, Trump credited Steve Witkoff and Adam Boehler for helping get 67 hostages back without paying ransom money. He contrasted this with the Biden administration's approach of paying billions for just five hostages. Trump acknowledged there are approximately 20 hostages still held by Hamas, plus 34 bodies of deceased hostages that families desperately want returned.

Economic Success and Stock Market Records

The President touted record stock market highs happening daily, with the market gaining 700 points the day before the interview. Trump shared stories of people at the Yankees game telling him their 401(k) plans are doing better than ever, with wives newly respecting their husbands as financial geniuses.

Trump announced that $17 trillion has been invested in the country since he took office, compared to capital flight under the previous administration. He described the current economy as the greatest boom in history despite Jerome Powell keeping interest rates too high.

The President called Powell "too late Jerome Powell," criticizing him for being consistently late on interest rate decisions except when he lowered rates before the election to help Kamala Harris. Despite this handicap, Trump stated the economy is stronger than ever with inflation nearly eliminated.

Tariffs and Supreme Court Case

Trump discussed a critical Supreme Court case brought by foreign governments challenging his tariff policies. He described this as one of the most important cases in history, noting that tariffs have brought trillions of dollars into the country and made America rich again.

The President explained that losing this case would require returning trillions of dollars to foreign countries that have been ripping off America for years. He expressed confidence the case will be won on legal merits, as the President has clear constitutional power to impose tariffs for national security and economic reasons.

Trump shared an anecdote about $29 billion being found in federal accounts that nobody could initially explain, which turned out to be additional tariff revenue. He emphasized that tariffs have given America tremendous negotiating power and brought unprecedented wealth to the country.

Government Funding and Democrat Obstruction

President Trump accused Senator Chuck Schumer and Representative Hakeem Jeffries of wanting to shut down the government. He stated that even if Democrats were given every dream they have, they still wouldn't vote for a funding package.

Trump noted that Democrats are blocking approximately 200 people who left their jobs to join his administration. He stated that even if he wanted to appoint George Washington and Abraham Lincoln back from the dead, Schumer would not approve them.

The President expressed confidence that Republicans are sticking together for the first time in a long time and will pass a continuing resolution or similar measure without Democrat support. He mentioned having powerful tools at his disposal but preferring not to use them if possible.

New York City Mayor Race

Trump expressed surprise that Mamdani, whom he called "my little communist mayor," appears to be leading in New York City mayoral polls. He described this as a rebellion against bad Democrat candidates and excessive taxation.

The President stated that if he were mayor of New York, it would be the greatest city in the world. He shared emotional encounters with NYPD officers who cry while shaking his hand because they love the country and want law and order restored.

Trump commented on the other candidates, including Curtis Sliwa, whom he noted wants to bring thousands of cats to Gracie Mansion to fight rats. He also mentioned Andrew Cuomo, crediting Fox meteorologist Janice Dean with bringing Cuomo down through her passionate advocacy regarding nursing home deaths, including her own parents-in-law.

Upcoming State Visit to United Kingdom

The President confirmed he will travel to the United Kingdom for a state dinner and visit with the royal family. However, he emphasized that before that trip, he will attend the funeral for Charlie Kirk, who should not be having a funeral right now but should be in front of people doing what he loved.

Trump reiterated his belief that Erika Kirk, Charlie's widow, may work with the Turning Point USA team to keep the organization going and make it even bigger, better, and stronger. He noted that only if they can make it truly great should they attempt to continue it, as that would be the proper tribute to Charlie's legacy.

Message on Safety and Moving Forward

When asked what he tells politicians concerned about public safety after the assassination attempts on his own life and the murder of Charlie Kirk, Trump stated simply that they have to go forward. He acknowledged the danger but said politicians must either accept the risk and protect themselves as best they can, or get out of the business.

The President described himself as a fatalist, stating that if someone had told him how dangerous the job would be, he might not have done it. However, he chose to do it because he loves making America great again.

Trump concluded by emphasizing that success will bring the country together, nothing else. He recalled that during his first term, when the economy was thriving before COVID, even radical left Democrats were calling him asking to work together. He believes the current tremendous economic success will ultimately unite Americans across political divides.

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