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\u2019s assassination the previous day at Utah Valley University.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo 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!\u201d Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform shortly after Kirk was pronounced dead.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Vice President JD Vance also issued a statement calling Kirk a \u201ctrue friend\u201d and credited him with playing a key role in Trump\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
Vance highlighted Kirk\u2019s important contributions to his own Senate campaign in Ohio, praising his strategy, fundraising, and grassroots efforts. He also honored Kirk\u2019s Christian faith and family devotion, expressing hope that Kirk will now advocate for his loved ones and the country from heaven. \u201cYou ran a good race, my friend,\u201d Vance concluded. \u201cWe\u2019ve got it from here.\u201d<\/p>\n