WASHINGTON (WDNews) – President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk will be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor.
Speaking outside the Pentagon during a ceremony marking the 24th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, Trump called Kirk “a giant of his generation” and promised the medal ceremony would be held on a large scale.
“I can only guarantee you one thing: That will have a very big crowd,” Trump said.
Kirk, 31, co-founder of Turning Point USA and a close ally of Trump, was assassinated Wednesday during a campus event at Utah Valley University. His killing has sparked national outrage and renewed concerns over political violence.
“Let me express the horror and grief so many Americans, at the heinous assassination of Charlie Kirk, have felt,” Trump said. “Charlie was 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.”
The president added, “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.”
