Janelle Irwin Taylor
President Donald Trump will honor conservative commentator Charlie Kirk posthumously with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Trump made the announcement as the manhunt for Kirk’s assassin continues. Trump said the date of a ceremony would be decided at some other point, but said he could guarantee one thing.
“We will have a very big crowd,” the President said before shifting into planned remarks commemorating the 24th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian award in the nation. It’s been awarded to notable figures from various backgrounds such as Simone Biles, Billy Graham, Rosa Parks and Oprah Winfrey, among others.
Trump said he and First Lady Melania Trump are praying for Kirk’s family.
“I have no doubt that Charlie’s voice and courage he put into the hearts of countless people, especially young people, will live on,” Trump said, describing Kirk as “a champion of liberty.”
Kirk was fatally shot in the neck Wednesday afternoon while speaking at Utah Valley University just outside of Salt Lake City, at an event dubbed “The American Comeback Tour.”
On Wednesday, Trump ordered flags to be flown at half-staff until Sept. 14.
Law enforcement continues a full-scale manhunt for the suspect after recovering what they believe to be the murder weapon, a “high-powered bolt action rifle.”
Speaking on Fox News Wednesday, Gov. Ron DeSantis called Kirk’s assassination “a big wound” for the nation.
Kirk founded the conservative advocacy group Turning Point USA and frequently spoke on college campuses. Known for debating his detractors and asking them to “prove me wrong,” Kirk was considered a vital part of Trump’s successful 2024 election because he invigorated young voters.
Kirk was just 31 years old.
