Trump to Award Presidential Medal of Freedom to Charlie Kirk
President Donald Trump has declared his intention to honor Charlie Kirk with the Presidential Medal of Freedom following a tragic assassination in Orem, Utah.
This announcement was made at the Pentagon just prior to a memorial event marking the 24th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, a day that saw nearly 3,000 lives lost in 2001.
On the day of the incident, Kirk was engaging with students during an event hosted by Turning Point USA, a youth activism group he co-founded, at Utah Valley University. The event featured an open mic that encouraged students to participate in dialogue and debate with him.
Tragically, a gunman fired at him from a rooftop about 200 yards away, hitting Kirk in the neck and causing him to collapse. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but was declared dead less than two hours later.
“Before we begin, let me express the horror and grief so many Americans at the heinous assassination of Charlie Kirk have felt,” Trump stated. “Charlie was a giant of his generation, a champion of liberty and an inspiration to millions. Our prayers are with his wonderful wife, Erika, and his beautiful children, fantastic people they are.”
Kirk, who was 31 at the time of his death, leaves behind his wife Erika, 36, and two young children—Charity, who is four, and a son who just turned one in May.
Erika, who was crowned Miss Arizona USA in 2012, shared a Bible verse on X shortly after the shooting, writing:
“Psalm 46:1 – God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
The couple began dating in 2018 and had a deep connection over discussions about theology, philosophy, and politics, Erika shared in a social media post from 2023. They got engaged in 2020 and married in 2021.
“We miss him greatly,” Trump remarked on Thursday. “Yet I have no doubt that Charlie’s voice and the courage he inspired in countless young people will persist.”
Trump also announced, “I’ll soon be awarding Charlie Kirk posthumously the Presidential Medal of Freedom,” promising “a very big crowd” at the service.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian honor in the U.S., awarded for notable contributions in various fields. Established by President John F. Kennedy in 1963, it has been conferred upon notable figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Jane Goodall, and Bono.
The date for the award ceremony is still to be confirmed.
