President Donald Trump addressed reporters on Thursday, assuring the public that investigators are making what he described as “big progress” in the search for the individual responsible for the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk during an event in Utah. Speaking before boarding Marine One for a trip to New York, Trump vowed that the assailant would be brought to justice and condemned the killer as “an animal” who would be “dealt with very appropriately.”
When pressed about a possible motive behind the attack, Trump suggested that he had some indication of the suspect’s intent but chose not to elaborate, saying that more information would be revealed at a later time. He emphasized that the investigation remained ongoing and that law enforcement agencies were working tirelessly to apprehend the suspect.
The president also confirmed that he intends to attend Kirk’s funeral in Arizona, describing his presence as an “obligation.” While noting that the service details were still being finalized, Trump indicated that it would likely be held the following weekend. Vice President JD Vance was expected to accompany Kirk’s casket aboard Air Force Two as it traveled from Utah to Arizona, underscoring the administration’s deep connection to the late activist.
Trump said he had spoken at length with Kirk’s widow, Erika, describing her emotional state as one of complete devastation. “We had a long talk, and she’s devastated. She’s absolutely devastated, as you can imagine,” he explained, adding that the couple’s two young children now face life without their father.
When asked whether the assassination heightened concerns about his own safety, Trump brushed aside personal fears, noting instead that enhanced security measures were already in place. His greater concern, he said, was for the nation as a whole, pointing blame at what he termed the “radical left,” whom he accused of fueling political violence—though he provided no evidence to support this claim.
Trump also urged his supporters to remain calm and peaceful in the aftermath of Kirk’s death, echoing Kirk’s own advocacy for nonviolence. “Kirk was an advocate of nonviolence,” the president said. “That’s the way I’d like to see people respond.” He reaffirmed that the shooter would ultimately be captured, concluding, “Hopefully we’ll have him, and we will deal with him very appropriately.”
