Trump honors Charlie Kirk with a posthumous freedom medal after the Utah shooting

President Donald Trump said Thursday that he would award Charlie Kirk the presidential medal of freedom posthumously, after conservative personality was shot dead on a university campus on Wednesday.

“I will soon detect Charlie Kirk posthumously, the presidential medal of freedom.

Speaking during a pentagon ceremony, Trump described Kirk as “a giant of his generation, a champion of freedom and an inspiration for millions and millions of people”. He added that the date of ceremony would be announced soon, but promised “a very large crowd. Very, very large”.

“I have no doubt that Charlie’s voice and the courage he put in the heart of countless people, especially young people, will live,” said Trump.

Live updates: manhunt for Charlie Kirk Shooter continues

Charlie Kirk speaks at the University of Utah Valley on September 10, 2025 in Orem, Utah, before the assassination. (Trent Nelson / The Salt Lake Tribune / Getty Images)

Kirk, 31, co -founded the group of conservative students Turning Point USA in 2012 and did one of the most influential young people on the political right. Known for his appearances of fiery campuses and a massive presence on social networks, Kirk was a fervent supporter of Trump and a frequent critic of liberal institutions.

Kirk was expressed during a debate “prove the opposite” at the University of Utah Valley, in Orem, Utah, an event in which he invited students to challenge his political and cultural opinions.

A shot sounded around noon, local time on Wednesday, and Kirk fell from his chair.

The shooter remains in freedom, although the weapon has been recovered. The event organizers believe that some 3,000 people were present at school.

The presidential medal of freedom is the greatest civil honor in the country. It is awarded to people who have made “particularly meritorious” contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace or cultural and public efforts.

Kirk would join a list of beneficiaries of presidents, legislators and foreign leaders to athletes, artists and personalities of human rights.

“ Dark moment for America ”: Trump declares the voice of Charlie Kirk “ greater and bigger ‘after assassination

Trump revealed during the ceremony that Charlie Kirk will receive the presidential freedom of freedom during a ceremony to commemorate the September 11 attacks. (AP / Evan Vucci)

The war secretary, Pete Hegseth, also committed Kirk during the crowning ceremony to mark the 24th anniversary of the September 11 attacks.

“The young soldiers who take the oath give me hope. The young cops who wear the badge give me hope. The young firefighters answered the call. Give me hope. The young agents who patrol our border give me hope. The example of life and even the death of Christ follower, the American patriot Charlie Kirk gives me hope,” he said.

“Courage, regardless of the arena. Charlie, we love you know that you heard the Lord’s words. Bravo, good and faithful servant. Full heart, light eyes.”

Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, laughs after US President Donald Trump said that if he could go back in time and give advice to 25 years, it would be not to show up for the presidency, during a youth forum entitled Generation Next, at the White House in Washington, DC, on March 22, 2018. (Jonathan Ernst / Reuters)

Wednesday after the shooting, Trump described it as “Dark Day for America”.

“It has long been for all Americans and the media to face the fact that violence and murder are the tragic consequence of demonizing those with whom you disagree day after day, year after year,” he said.

“For years, those on the radical left have compared wonderful Americans like Charlie to the Nazis and the worst murderous and mass criminals in the world.”

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In death, Trump said: “Charlie’s voice has become larger and bigger than ever.”