President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that Charlie Kirk will posthumously receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
The announcement was made at the Pentagon during a ceremony commemorating the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
What he’s saying: Trump expressed his condolences for Kirk’s assassination, calling the event “heinous” and describing Kirk as “a giant of his generation, a champion of liberty and an inspiration to millions and millions of people.”
- Trump praised Kirk’s family, calling them “fantastic people,” and said, “We miss him greatly and yet I have no doubt that Charlie’s voice… will live on.”
Driving the news: Kirk, a prominent conservative activist and leading figure in the MAGA movement, was fatally shot in the neck while speaking at Utah Valley University during “The American Comeback Tour.”
- Vice President JD Vance visited Salt Lake City to pay respects to Kirk’s family following the tragic incident.
- On the night of the shooting, Trump described Kirk as a “martyr for truth and freedom” in a video message expressing grief and anger.
- Authorities have recovered the rifle used in the shooting and are reviewing high-quality footage of the suspect but have not released it publicly.
What we’re watching: The date for the Medal of Freedom ceremony honoring Kirk has yet to be announced.
