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President Donald Trump on Friday said that a suspect in the Charlie Kirk assassination had been captured, ending a tense two-day manhunt after the FBI had circulated video and images of the suspect but withheld his name.
Jason Pack, a retired FBI supervisory special agent, told Fox News Digital that the strategy was intentional — designed to protect both the investigation and public safety — and it mirrored the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing probe.
Pack said withholding the suspect’s identity can help generate stronger public tips by focusing attention on confirmed images rather than unverified names.
“You need biometrics, records and independent confirmation before you hang a name on a suspect. That protects the public and the case,” Pack said. “Same playbook we used in Boston. Show the public what you are certain about to trigger quality tips and hold what is not yet courtroom-ready.”
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox speaks at a press conference alongside FBI Director Kash Patel after the assassination of political activist Charlie Kirk, as investigators circulate images of the suspect. (Michael Ciaglo/Getty Images; FBI)
“Footwear alone does not define tradecraft,” Pack said. “Some offenders choose non-tactical shoes to blend on sidewalks, move quietly, or to misdirect. It could be comfort, availability, or deliberate disguise. Investigators will weigh gait, wear patterns and outsole marks against any scene impressions, not just the brand.”
A $100,000 reward for information on the killer was announced as law enforcement sought the public’s help.Â
Utah Governor Spencer Cox speaks alongside FBI Director Kash Patel at a press conference regarding the assassination of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah on Thursday, September 11, 2025. (Julia Bonavita/Fox News Digital)
Pack explained that reward figures are not set according to a rigid formula — they are adjusted depending on the level of threat to the community, the urgency of the case and the funding available from law enforcement and partner agencies.
In this case, with a gunman at large after a high-profile political assassination, officials opted for a high figure up front to generate leads quickly, he said.
“There was a lot of pressure on law enforcement,” Pack said. “They wanted to get it right.”
