Trump to Award Medal of Freedom Posthumously to Charlie Kirk
President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he would honor the late Charlie Kirk with the President’s Medal of Freedom, following his tragic death during an event at a university.
Kirk, the founder of Turning Point, was shot while speaking at Utah Valley University. He was only 31 years old. Trump made this announcement during a speech at the Pentagon, coinciding with the anniversary of the September 11 attacks.
“Before we start, I want to express the horror and sadness felt by so many Americans regarding Charlie Kirk’s brutal assassination,” Trump stated. “Charlie was a remarkable figure of his time, a true champion of freedom, and he inspired millions. Our thoughts and prayers are with his lovely wife Erica and their beautiful children. They miss him greatly. I miss him deeply.”
“I am proud to announce that I will soon be awarding Charlie Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously,” he added.
Trump had revealed Kirk’s death a day earlier. Reports indicated that he was fighting for his life after being critically injured. While Kirk addressed students, gunfire erupted, as a university representative explained that the shooting came from a building approximately 200 yards away. Security footage showed efforts to keep Kirk’s body away from the chaotic scene.
A student present at the event recounted, “It was so sudden. There was this loud bang, just one shot. I saw him get hit in the neck.”
Initially, a university spokesman told reporters that the suspect was in custody; however, the FBI later released two individuals they had believed were linked to the incident.
As of now, the search for the shooter is ongoing. Authorities revealed in a press conference that the shooter arrived on campus around 11:50 AM, ascended to the rooftop, and then vanished into the surrounding area after the shooting. They also mentioned having recovered weapons near the scene and video footage of a suspect, who they identified as a “college” age individual.
