US President Donald Trump on Thursday announced that conservative activist Charlie Kirk will be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the country’s highest civilian honour, following his death in a shooting at Utah Valley University.
Speaking at a ceremony outside the Pentagon to mark the 24th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, Trump remembered Kirk as a “giant of his generation” and an inspiration to millions.
“Charlie was a champion of liberty and an inspiration to countless young people. Our prayers are with his wife Erika and his children. We miss him greatly, but his voice and courage will live on,” Trump said.
Kirk, a right-wing political commentator and activist, was shot in the neck on Wednesday while delivering a speech at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, according to The New York Times. The university confirmed that a single shot was fired from a nearby building, striking Kirk. He was the only person injured in the incident.
Video footage shared online showed students fleeing in panic as gunfire was heard. In one clip, Kirk appeared to collapse after being struck. A suspect has been taken into custody, the university said.
The FBI’s Utah office confirmed agents were responding. FBI Director Kash Patel said in a post on X: “We are closely monitoring reports of the tragic shooting involving Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. Agents will be on the scene quickly and the FBI stands in full support of the ongoing investigation.”
Utah Governor Spencer Cox said he was being briefed by law enforcement, calling the attack “violence that has no place in public life.”
Republican lawmakers including Sen. Lindsey Graham, Sen. Ted Cruz, and Sen. Katie Britt condemned the attack, describing it as “despicable” and offering prayers for Kirk’s family.
-ANI