President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he will posthumously award Turning Point USA founder and conservative activist Charlie Kirk the Medal of Freedom, following Kirk’s assassination the previous day at Utah Valley University.

“No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform shortly after Kirk was pronounced dead.

Kirk was shot around 12:20 p.m. Wednesday while speaking at an event on campus. The assassin remains at large, but the FBI confirmed they are actively pursuing leads, with evidence and video footage assisting their investigation.

Vice President JD Vance also issued a statement calling Kirk a “true friend” and credited him with playing a key role in Trump’s 2016 election. Vance shared how their friendship began in 2017 after Kirk praised him on Twitter (now X), describing Kirk as someone open to dialogue and learning.

Vance highlighted Kirk’s important contributions to his own Senate campaign in Ohio, praising his strategy, fundraising, and grassroots efforts. He also honored Kirk’s Christian faith and family devotion, expressing hope that Kirk will now advocate for his loved ones and the country from heaven. “You ran a good race, my friend,” Vance concluded. “We’ve got it from here.”