In the wake of the assassination of political influencer Charlie Kirk, President Donald Trump announced Thursday morning that he will posthumously award conservative ally the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
The president made the announcement while speaking at The Pentagon for an engagement marking the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
“Charlie was a giant of his generation, a champion of liberty and an inspiration to millions and millions of people,” Trump said in his opening remarks.
“Our prayers are with his wonderful wife Erika and his beautiful children — fantastic people they are. 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.”
Kirk was killed Wednesday during an event he was holding at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. He was shot in the middle of the day from about 200 yards away, according to authorities, and several videos of the horrific moment were caught on video and shared across social media outlets.
Kirk was 31-years-old and leaves behind his wife Ericka and two children.
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Dominic Genetti
Laredo Morning Times, Texas
(TNS)
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