(La Porte County, IN) - Authorities believe they have recovered the firearm used in yesterday’s assassination of republican conservative activist Charlie Kirk. And as of Friday morning, President Donald Trump says they now have the suspect in custody.

 

THE FBI has described the weapon as a bolt action rifle found in a wooded area where the suspect is believed to have fled after the shooting on a college campus in Utah.

 

According to the FBI, a foot wear impression, palm print and forearm imprints were recovered and will be sent in for analysis. Meanwhile, authorities say a family member helped turn in the 22-year-old suspect, who is now being questioned.

 

Locally, the reaction to the fatal shooting is one of both sadness and anger.

 

La Porte County Republican Party Chairman Al Stevens said it’s unfortunate guns are too often used now for political retaliation.

 

“This is kind of becoming the norm.  It’s completely unacceptable,” he said.

 

Stevens also said the ability of Kirk to bring more young people into the republican party might be the reason President Trump was reelected to a second term in November.  

 

La Porte Mayor Tom Dermody called the shooting tragic and despicable, and an extension of the hate that now seems too prolific in politics.

 

“We have to do something different,” he said.