US House speaker hosts prayer vigil for Charlie Kirk

WASHINGTON

US House Speaker Mike Johnson led a vigil Monday in memory of American conservative commentator Charlie Kirk in the Capitol.

Joined by the House leadership and other members of Congress, Johnson gave remarks and prayers in the wake of Kirk’s assassination.

"Our friend Charlie did not pass away in a car accident. He was assassinated for standing for his political beliefs," Johnson said.

Kirk, 31, was fatally shot on Sept. 10 while addressing a group of students at Utah Valley University in the city of Orem, some 40 miles (64.4 kilometers) south of Salt Lake City. Tyler Robinson, 22, was arrested over the death of the right-wing influencer.

FBI Director Kash Patel said Monday that DNA evidence collected from the scene of Kirk’s killing matches the suspect currently in custody.

Patel stressed that the FBI investigation remains ongoing, with agents continuing to interview witnesses and analyze forensic material, including cell phone data and DNA samples. Findings are being shared with local and federal prosecutors for charging decisions, he said.