Washington, DC [US], September 11 (ANI): US President Donald Trump on Thursday said he would soon award conservative activist Charlie Kirk a Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor.
Speaking at a ceremony outside the Pentagon marking the 24th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, Trump said the event honoring Kirk would be significant. “I can only guarantee you one thing: That will have a very big crowd,” he remarked.
Trump opened his address by remembering Kirk, describing him as a close ally and an inspiration. “Let me express the horror and grief so many Americans, at the heinous assassination of Charlie Kirk, have felt,” he said.
“Charlie was a giant of his generation, a champion of liberty and an inspiration to millions and millions of people. Our prayers are with his wonderful wife, Erika, and his beautiful children. Fantastic people,” Trump continued.
“We miss him greatly. Yet I have no doubt that Charlie’s voice and the courage he put into the hearts of countless people, especially young people, will live on,” he added.
Kirk, a right-wing political commentator and conservative activist, was reportedly shot in the neck on Wednesday while speaking at Utah Valley University, The New York Times reported. According to a university spokesperson, Kirk was about 20 minutes into his presentation when gunshots were heard from a nearby building. The university informed students that “a single shot was fired on campus toward a visiting speaker,” and a suspect has been taken into custody. A spokesperson confirmed that Kirk was the only person shot during the event.
Video footage from the scene appeared to show students fleeing after hearing gunfire. In one clip, Kirk seemed to fall back as blood came from his neck. He was sitting under a tent with the slogan “The American Comeback” when the incident happened, according to The New York Times.
A spokeswoman for the FBI office in Utah said agents were responding to the scene. In a post on X, FBI Director Kash Patel said, “We are closely monitoring reports of the tragic shooting involving Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. Our thoughts are with Charlie, his loved ones, and everyone affected. Agents will be on the scene quickly and the FBI stands in full support of the ongoing response and investigation.”
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox wrote on X that he was being briefed by law enforcement “following the violence directed at Charlie Kirk during his visit to Utah Valley University today. We will continue to share updates. Those responsible will be held fully accountable. Violence has no place in our public life.”
Senator Lindsey Graham, Republican of South Carolina, called the apparent shooting a “sick and despicable attack” in a post on social media. Graham and several other Republican senators, including Ted Cruz of Texas and Katie Britt of Alabama, said they were praying for Kirk. (ANI)
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