President Donald Trump announced Thursday that he will posthumously award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist who was shot and killed on Wednesday.
“I will soon be awarding Charlie Kirk posthumously, the Presidential Medal of Freedom,” Trump said. “The day of the ceremony will be announced, and I can only guarantee you one thing. We will have a very big crowd. Very, very big.”
Speaking at a Pentagon ceremony, Trump described Kirk as “a giant of his generation, a champion of liberty and an inspiration to millions and millions of people.” He added, “I do not doubt that Charlie’s voice and the courage he put into the hearts of countless people, especially young people, will live on.”
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Kirk, 31, was the co-founder of the conservative student group Turning Point USA. Founded in 2012, the organization became a prominent youth group on the political right. Kirk was known for his campus appearances and had a large social media following. He was a vocal supporter of Trump and a frequent critic of liberal institutions.
The shooting occurred on Wednesday at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, where Kirk was participating in a “Prove Me Wrong” debate. According to event organizers, approximately 3,000 people were in attendance when a shot was fired around noon local time, causing Kirk to fall. The shooter has not yet been apprehended, but the weapon used has been recovered.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the nation’s highest civilian honor, given to individuals who have made significant contributions to the security, national interests, or cultural and public endeavors of the United States.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth also commented on Kirk’s death during a wreath-laying ceremony to mark the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. “The life example and even death of a Christ follower, American patriot Charlie Kirk, give me hope,” Hegseth said. He added, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
In a statement released on Wednesday after the shooting, Trump called it a “dark day for America.” He said, “It’s a long past time for all Americans and the media to confront the fact that violence and murder are the tragic consequences of demonizing those with whom you disagree day after day, year after year.”
