President Donald Trump will award Charlie Kirk a posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor.
Trump made the announcement Thursday at a 9/11 memorial event in New York.
Kirk, the conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed at Utah Valley University Wednesday afternoon during the first stop of his American Comeback Tour.
RELATED: Charlie Kirk shooting updates: Manhunt for suspect continues
Kirk was speaking to a crowd of about 3,000 people when a single gunshot was heard and Kirk’s head thrust back as he fell, video shows. Kirk had a security detail and there was a small police presence at the event, but there was no security check for people who attended.
A general view of a wreath laid by mourners outside the US Embassy in Pretoria on September 11, 2025 following the fatal shooting of US youth activist and influencer Charlie Kirk (Photo by PHILL MAGAKOE/AFP via Getty Images)
Presidential Medal of Freedom for Charlie Kirk
What they’re saying:
“Charlie was a giant of his generation, a champion of liberty, and an inspiration to millions and millions of people,” Trump said Thursday. “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.”
RELATED: Video shows moment Charlie Kirk shot during university event
Trump said details about the ceremony will be announced at a later date.
FBI: Rifle recovered in Charlie Kirk Assassination
New developments in the assassination of Political Activist Charlie Kirk. The FBI says they have recovered the rifle used to kill Charlie Kirk while he spoke to a crowd at Utah Valley University. Still the shooter remains at large despite two people being taken into custody but they were later released.
In a lengthy video statement released by the White House late Wednesday, Trump blamed rhetoric from the “radical left” for Kirk’s assassination and said “demonizing” opponents “must stop now.”
Trump also ordered flags lowered to half-staff and issued a presidential proclamation. The president, who sustained a minor ear injury when he was shot at a campaign event last year, said he and Kirk had a close relationship.
Search for suspect
What we know:
A manhunt for the suspect continues today. Two people were detained Wednesday, but neither was determined to be connected to the shooting and both were released, Utah public safety officials said.
RELATED: What is Turning Point USA? Charlie Kirk’s nonprofit
At a news briefing Thursday morning, authorities said the suspect appears to be college-aged and “blended in” with students on campus. Investigators found what they believe was the murder weapon, a high-powered bolt-action rifle, in a wooded area where the shooter fled.
Manhunt for Charlie Kirk murder suspect
Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative activist and supporter of President Donald Trump, was fatally shot at an event at Utah Valley University. He was 31. Authorities said the gunman, who remains at large, is believed to have fired a single shot from a nearby rooftop in what they described as a “targeted attack.” The Utah Department of Public Safety, working with the FBI, is leading the investigation and has launched a manhunt. Two individuals initially considered suspects were later released after questioning.
Officials asked the public to share any video and images they may have to help identify the shooter. Authorities said they have video footage of the suspect.
The shooter fired a single shot from a nearby building, about 140 yards away from where Kirk was speaking.
What we don’t know:
Authorities haven’t released a motive, but they have said they believe it was a targeted, politically motivated killing.
