A religious leader played a crucial role in the suspect's capture, Trump revealed to Fox News, explaining that "someone very close" to the alleged shooter contacted authorities to identify him. The president provided additional details about the arrest process, stating that the individual who recognized the suspect was "a person of faith, a minister."

According to Trump's account, this minister approached the suspect's father, who subsequently contacted a US Marshal. "The father convinced the son," Trump explained during the interview. "They drove into the police headquarters, and he's there now."

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The US witnessed last night a nadir in its history when a prominent activist was assassinated purely for his views. This constituted an attack on free speech, on the capacity for discourse and hearing dissenting voices. Those incapable of countering his arguments opted to attack him. In the US – a symbol of the free world and Western democracy – one cannot accept circumstances where political-ideological debate culminates in murder.

Remarkable ability possessed by few globally

Kirk stood as a genuine friend of the State of Israel, a passionate advocate who decisively confronted pro-Palestinian activists, and with refined words, educated them thoroughly. His debates went viral online, and no one in the hasbara world (public diplomacy) could ignore his ability to make his case and the expertise he displayed.

He understood how to corner his opposition and guide them through planned maneuvers to leave them speechless. This represents a remarkable ability possessed by few globally. Additionally, he was a rhetorician brimming with style.

During the past two years, when the State of Israel's position hit bottom internationally, few worldwide stood with us proudly and powerfully, and Kirk ranked among the most prominent and significant of these. Specifically due to his standing and influence across the US, his backing carried tremendous meaning.

Currently, the pursuit continues for the attacker whose identity remains unknown, while everyone remains traumatized. I'm getting cancellation notices for event after event from my scheduled advocacy mission here.

It remains uncertain how the US will recover from this incident and its ultimate consequences, but clearly Kirk's assassination constitutes a defining moment. Each social advocate engaged in debates and ideological battles, particularly regarding Israeli advocacy, now faces genuine mortal danger.

A dark day for the US, and for Israel

Kirk was assassinated and became a casualty in his struggle for truth. He was assassinated there on stage with a microphone in hand while performing what he excelled at most. This marks a dark day in US history, but furthermore, it marks a dark day for the State of Israel which lost one of the finest and most genuine representatives it possessed, though he wasn't Israeli and though he wasn't Jewish.

During the past day, I've gotten inquiries from individuals asking whether Kirk's assassination will impact my mission and my advocacy efforts. So, yes, it will, since I hold numerous events similar to what took place at Utah Valley University, where he was shot, and thus I'll have to exercise far greater caution, verify security exists consistently, and remain vigilant and prepared constantly.

But will I halt due to this? Categorically no. One cannot fear confronting individuals who think differently and attempting dialogue while presenting them with facts. This is presumably what the attacker desired would occur. This is what the violent and antisemitic demonstrators would desire to occur. But if it were Kirk's decision, I'm certain he would request not to halt due to what occurred, but conversely, simply to persist and amplify.

May his memory be a blessing.

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Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk was assassinated at a Utah Valley University event in Orem, Utah, on Wednesday. The 31-year-old conservative activist was shot in the neck while conducting a student question-and-answer forum on campus.

Videos circulating online appear to show Kirk recoiling after a shot was heard, with blood pouring from his neck at what was the first stop of his American Comeback Tour in which he planned to crisscross America and make the case of conservatism.

Video: WARNING: DISTURBING FOOTAGE: The attack on Charlie Kirk

About two hours after the shooting, President Donald Trump said he succumbed to his wounds. "The great and even legendary Charlie Kirk is dead; no one understood and had the heart of the youth of the United States of America better than Charlie. He was admired by all." Trump added, "He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!"

Ellen Treanor, speaking for the university, reported that the shooting occurred approximately 20 minutes into Kirk's campus address, The New York Times stated. The gunfire originated from the Losee Center, a campus structure located approximately 200 yards (183 meters) from the event site.

The suspected shooter was initially believed to have been detained, according to an alert the university sent to students, but it later turned out that the man was no related to the incident. There were no metal detectors to get into the event, Hickens said, though there was security by Kirk himself.

Charlie Kirk was murdered for speaking truth and defending freedom. A lion-hearted friend of Israel, he fought the lies and stood tall for Judeo-Christian civilization. I spoke to him only two weeks ago and invited him to Israel. Sadly, that visit will not take place.
We lost an…

— Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) September 10, 2025

Director Kash Patel announced that federal authorities are "closely monitoring" the incident, according to USA TODAY. "Agents will be on the scene quickly and the FBI stands in full support of the ongoing response and investigation," Patel posted on social media, USA TODAY reported.

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A high-tech robotic dog, marked with USSS insignia, has been deployed at President-elect Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, according to reporting by Newsweek, marking an unprecedented security measure following multiple assassination attempts during this year's election cycle.

The remote-controlled security asset was spotted patrolling the grounds on Friday, with the Secret Service confirming to Newsweek on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. that the robotic dogs are part of their protective detail.

"Safeguarding the President-elect is a top priority," Anthony Guglielmi, Chief of Communications for the US Secret Service, told Newsweek. "While we cannot get into the specific capabilities, the robotic dogs are equipped with surveillance technology, and an array of advanced sensors that support our protective operations."

Real Security for President Trump

A robotic dog from 'Boston Dynamics' patrols Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence amid a heightened security presence at his home following his election victory. @Reuters pic.twitter.com/cqZCSvddgt

— Steve Gruber (@stevegrubershow) November 7, 2024

The enhanced security measures follow Trump's victory over Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris in Tuesday's presidential election, coming after a campaign season marked by serious security incidents.

On July 13, Trump survived a shooting at an outdoor campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, when 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks fired from a rooftop, striking Trump's right ear. Secret Service counter-snipers fatally neutralized the shooter.

A second attempt occurred on Sept. 15, when Ryan Routh was arrested at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida. While Routh never discharged his weapon, Secret Service agents engaged him as he aimed his rifle toward the golf course. He faces multiple charges, including attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate, and has pleaded not guilty. If convicted, he could receive a life sentence.

Adding to these concerns, the US Department of Justice announced on Friday criminal charges against Farhad Shakeri, 51, of Tehran, Iran. According to DOJ officials speaking to Newsweek, Shakeri disclosed to law enforcement that the IRGC tasked him on October 7 with "providing a plan to kill" Trump.

The DOJ release noted that "Shakeri claimed he did not intend to propose a plan to kill Trump within the timeframe set by the IRGC." The charges against Shakeri include murder-for-hire, conspiracy, and providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization, among others.

Trump's Communications Director, Steven Cheung, addressed the Iranian plot in an email to Newsweek on Friday, stating, "President-elect Trump is aware of the attempted assassination plot by the Iranian terrorist regime. Nothing will deter President Trump from returning to the White House and restoring peace around the world."

Responding to earlier reports of Iran-linked assassination plots against Trump reported in July, the Iranian Mission told Newsweek, "these accusations are unsubstantiated and malicious," adding, "From the perspective of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Trump is a criminal who must be prosecuted and punished in a court of law for ordering the assassination of General Soleimani. Iran has chosen the legal path to bring him to justice."

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Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi touched down in Tehran Sunday morning for diplomatic talks as fears escalate over potential Iranian retaliation against Israel and American assets in the region. The high-stakes visit follows the recent assassination of Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh on Iranian soil, prompting Tehran to issue stark warnings to both Jerusalem and Washington. 

Safadi is slated to meet with his Iranian counterpart in what is seen as an attempt to defuse the escalating situation. The Jordanian diplomat has previously emphasized that Amman will not permit the use of its airspace for any attacks or actions that could further destabilize the Middle East.

The diplomatic mission unfolds against a backdrop of increasingly bellicose rhetoric from senior Iranian officials. In the wake of last week's assassination of Haniyeh in Tehran, leaders of the ayatollah regime have been vocal in their calls for retaliation against Israel and the US. Speaker of the Parliament of Iran Mohammad Ghalibaf issued a stark warning, stating that Iran "will teach the United States and Israel a historic lesson."

According to Iran's Tasnim news agency, Qalibaf portrayed the Oct. 7 Hamas onslaught as a pivotal moment, suggesting it marked the beginning of Israel's downfall. The Iranian official also claimed that Israel's alleged assassination efforts were a desperate attempt to stave off political collapse in the face of perceived failures.

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The Arab world is reeling from two high-profile assassinations attributed to Israel: Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and senior Hezbollah military commander Fouad Shukr in Beirut. These incidents have ignited intense speculation about Israel's intelligence capabilities and stoked fears of potential regional conflict.

On Thursday, Arab newspapers led with coverage of the assassinations. Saudi Arabia's Asharq Al-Awsat headlined, "Middle East braces for fallout from Haniyeh and Shukr killings," with a subheading noting ongoing regional efforts for calm while questioning the reach of Israeli intelligence – a matter of grave concern for Iran's Revolutionary Guards.

In Iran, the Tehran Times featured Haniyeh's image on its front page, vowing retribution with the headline, "Our honored guest, your blood will not be trampled."

Qatar's Al-Araby Al-Jadeed asserted that Haniyeh's assassination "crosses all red lines."

Lebanon's long-standing newspaper An-Nahar reported, "Assassinations in Dahieh and Tehran hours apart; Lebanon anticipates response."

The London-based Al Arab predicted an escalation of tensions, headlining, "Day of assassinations sparks fears of regional war."

These targeted killings have left Iran and its Lebanese proxy organization in a state of shock and humiliation. The depth of their embarrassment appears to be matched only by their vocal pledges to seek vengeance against Israel. Now, leaders of the Iranian-led alliance face a delicate dilemma – how to retaliate against Israel without igniting a full-scale regional conflict.

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Ismail Haniyeh, the head of Hamas' political wing, was reportedly assassinated in Tehran, Iran, in an operation believed to be carried out by Israel, prompting an emergency meeting of Iran's Supreme National Security Council at  Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's residence.

Iran's response has been swift, with senior officials, including the commander of the IRGC Quds Force, convening to address the situation. An Iranian source told Reuters that the council will decide on the response to the assassination.

It's one thing to assassinate Haniyeh; it's another to do it specifically in Tehran.

It's genuinely hard to imagine, let alone put into words, the seriousness of what comes next.

— Omar Baddar عمر بدّار (@OmarBaddar) July 31, 2024

The assassination, viewed as a major security breach, has drawn condemnation from various countries, including Russia, Turkey, and Malaysia, according to Reuters. Deputy Russian Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov remarked, "This is an absolutely unacceptable political murder, and it will lead to further escalation of tensions." Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan called Haniyeh, "my brother," and wrote on X, "This assassination is a vileness that aims to disrupt the Palestinian cause, Gaza's noble resistance and our Palestinian siblings' rightful struggle, to break the will of Palestinians, and to intimidate them. However, just as until today, the Zionist barbarism will not reach its goals."

Areepen Uttarasin, a Thai politician and former Gaza hostage negotiator, said, "The assassination is very serious because it occurred in Iran. It shows that Hamas' opponents can strike anywhere. Assassinating the Hamas leader will make negotiations and de-escalation more difficult. Things will become more violent, and the situation will worsen; it will not improve."

The Qatari Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani called the assassination "a heinous crime, a dangerous escalation, and a blatant violation of international and humanitarian law." Iranian General Ali Hajizadeh warned, "Be prepared to tell the Zionists what the punishment is for shedding the blood of a guest in our home."

Abdel Salam Haniyeh: "My father felt martyrdom every day, and we are proud of him and hold our head high"

Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh was martyred in a treacherous Zionist attack on his residence in Tehran.

"Inna lillahi wa inna ilahi rajiun"#HamasChief #ismailhaniye pic.twitter.com/k9euuL2gSg

— Palestine News (@PalestinMedia) July 31, 2024

Hamas official Moussa Abu Marzouk called it a "cowardly act that will not go unpunished." Another Hamas official, Sami Abu Zuhri, said, "Hamas is a concept and an institution and not persons. Hamas will continue on this path regardless of the sacrifices, and we are confident of victory." The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine said, "Israeli enemy crosses all red lines and is pushing things towards a comprehensive war with the entire Resistance Axis," which is "fully prepared for confrontation."

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A chilling assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump unfolded Saturday night at a political rally, resulting in one attendee's death and another's critical injury. The 20-year-old suspect, a Pennsylvania resident, was reportedly taken down by the Secret Service after positioning himself on a nearby rooftop – approximately 30 feet from the target – and opening fire.

Shots from rooftop: How the Trump assassination attempt unfoldedhttps://t.co/rfIEtp5Ton#Trump #TrumpRally #AssassinationAttemptAgainstTrump #Election2024 #US pic.twitter.com/z6svNuVC8O

— Israel Hayom English (@IsraelHayomEng) July 14, 2024

"What we witnessed tonight can only be described as an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump," stated Kevin Rojek, FBI spokesperson. "This remains an active crime scene. Our team is working tirelessly to uncover the perpetrator's identity and motivations." Rojek confirmed that the attack resulted in one fatality and two severe injuries.

The location of the shooter in the assassination attempt on Trump (Google Earth)

A witness recounted the harrowing moments to the BBC, describing how they spotted the gunman before law enforcement. "We noticed someone crawling on a rooftop about 80 feet away from us, pointing a rifle," the witness said. "We immediately alerted both the police and Secret Service agents, telling them, 'There's an armed man on the roof, he's crawling!' But they seemed to have missed him, probably because he was behind the building's edge."

BREAKING: Eye-witness says he saw the suspect climb on top of a nearby structure outside of the event and notified the police who didn't take action.

"The guy army crawled up the building 50 feet from us... he had a rifle."

"He's crawling! I'm thinking, why is Trump still… pic.twitter.com/imHWOvsQKm

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) July 13, 2024

Trump suffered minor injuries from shrapnel before being swiftly evacuated from the scene. The Washington Post reported that the incident turned fatal for one rally attendee while another was left fighting for their life with critical injuries.

Video: The assassination attempt of Donald Trump /

US authorities have identified the would-be-assassin as Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old from Pennsylvania, the New York Post said.

The news network also noted that Trump's Secret Service detail had recently been bolstered in response to escalating threats against the former president. The agency is tasked with protecting both current and former US presidents.

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The shooter responsible for a deadly attack at former President Donald Trump's rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday has been identified by the FBI as Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old man from the nearby town of Bethel Park, according to reports cited by The Free Press Journal.

Video: Sniper fires at Trump shooter/Credit: X

The FBI is leading the investigation into the incident, which left one attendee dead and another critically injured before Secret Service personnel neutralized the assailant.

NBC News reported that Pennsylvania voter records showed Thomas Matthew Crooks, with the same address and date of birth, as a registered Republican, although it was unclear from the records when he had registered. FEC contribution records also show a single $15 ActBlue contribution earmarked to Progressive Turnout Project, a liberal voter turnout group.

Video: The assassination attempt of Donald Trump /

According to the New York Times, Crooks did not have a criminal history reflected in Pennsylvania's public court records. According to The Tribune-Review, he completed his high school education at Bethel Park High School in 2022, having received a $500 "star award" upon graduation from the National Math and Science Initiative.

Footage circulating online showed Crooks confessing his hatred for Trump and the Republican Party, but the video was revealed to have been forged by an impersonator.

#BREAKING: New angle of assassination attempt on President Trump from behind

These videos are terrifying pic.twitter.com/QDoDSeGOeA

— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) July 14, 2024

The shooting occurred during Trump's speech, prompting an immediate response from law enforcement and Secret Service agents. While authorities have not yet determined a motive for the attempted assassination, the FBI has pledged to dedicate all necessary resources to the investigation.

Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene as gunshots rang out during the rally. Secret Service agents quickly surrounded Trump and whisked him off stage, with blood visible on his face. As he was led away, Trump raised his fist toward the crowd in a gesture of defiance.

Thomas Matthew Crooks ID'd as gunman who shot Trump during Pa. rally https://t.co/7ycBdrQ7WK pic.twitter.com/CrqNnyjZrE

— New York Post (@nypost) July 14, 2024

Hours after the incident, Trump recounted the harrowing moments in a post on Truth Social. "I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear," he wrote. "I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin."

Despite the close call, Trump's campaign senior advisers, Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles, confirmed that the former president is "doing well" and plans to attend the upcoming Republican convention in Milwaukee, where he is scheduled to accept his party's nomination.

In his statement, Trump expressed gratitude to the Secret Service and law enforcement for their rapid response. He also offered condolences to the families affected by the tragedy. "Most importantly, I want to extend my condolences to the family of the person at the rally who was killed, and also to the family of another person that was badly injured," Trump said.

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An alleged assassination attempt targeting Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was foiled on Saturday, the country's official media reported.

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According to Turkey's official TRT news agency, Turkish police found an explosive device under a vehicle belonging to a police officer who was supposed to be on duty at a rally for Erdogan Saturday morning.

The improvised explosive under the police officer's personal vehicle was found in Mardin, a province in the southeast that's more 125 miles (200 kilometers) away from the rally held in Siirt, the outlet said. The explosive was discovered before the police officer traveled to Siirt and was defused by bomb squads.

The bomb was reported to be equipped with a remote detonation system.

According to Turkish news outlets affiliated with the government, a manhunt was underway.

Cumhurbaşkanı Erdoğan'ın mitingine tuzak önlendi! https://t.co/KOT4lDppNC pic.twitter.com/QwxfclKsn9

— CNN TÜRK #MaskeniTak (@cnnturk) December 4, 2021

Turkey has been battling the Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK, in southeast Turkey for almost four decades.

Meanwhile, as Turkey plunges deeper into a severe economic crisis – its currency has lost more than 45% of its value against the dollar since the start of the year – latest polls show Erdogan to be increasingly unpopular.

Ankara also appears increasingly isolated on the international scene, with its relations with the European Union and NATO particularly strained.

"There is no place for terror in Turkey's future," Erdogan said at a rally in Siirt on Saturday. "We will not let any young man in the country fall into the hungry mouths of the terror groups."

The embattled Turkish president also said he hoped that volatile foreign exchange and inflation rates would stabilize shortly and he again promised low interest rates.

"God willing we will stabilize all fluctuations in prices and forex rates in not such a long time," Erdogan told an audience in Siirt.

"Tayyip Erdogan said low interest rates yesterday, says low interest rates today and will say low interest rates tomorrow," the Turkish president said, speaking in the third person. "I will never compromise on this because interest rates are a malady that make the rich even richer, and the poor even poorer."

Inflation jumped to a three-year high of 21.3% last month, leaving Turkey's real rates deeply negative, a red flag for fleeing investors and for Turkish savers who have flocked to hard currencies to protect their wealth.

Despite opposition calls for early elections and a policy reversal, Erdogan has repeated in recent weeks that rate cuts are needed to boost exports, credit, jobs and economic growth.

Under pressure from the president, the central bank has slashed its policy rate by 400 basis points to 15% and is expected to ease policy again this month.

"We will always be there for producers and employers with low interest rates. We're starting to enforce precautions safeguarding workers against inflation," Erdogan said.

He said unspecific foreign actors, as well as "greedy" businesses that stockpile more goods than needed, are in part to blame for some sharp price spikes.

At a separate event in the southern city of Mersin, where crowds called for Erdogan to resign, main opposition CHP leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu said a new government would forgive all interest on loans held by farmers and small businesses.

"He doesn't need to resign, we'll send him off anyway," Kilicdaroglu said of elections set for no later than mid-2023.

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