Slain right-wing activist Charlie Kirk will posthumously receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Trump.
The President made that announcement at the start of his speech remembering the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attack at the Pentagon Thursday.
“Before we begin, let me express the horror and grief so many Americans at the heinous assassination of Charlie Kirk,” Trump began.
Kirk, 31, was fatally shot while speaking with students, supporters and critics at Utah Valley University Wednesday. As the founder of Turning Point USA, the Illinois native frequently held events on college campuses to promote conservative ideology. He was an ardent supporter of the President, who remembered him as “a giant of his generation” survived by a wife and two very young children. Kirk’s shooter remained at large while Trump spoke.
“I’m pleased to announce that I will soon be awarding Charlie Kirk, posthumously, the Presidential Medal of Freedom,” the President said.
He didn’t give a date for that ceremony, but promised “a very big” crowd.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is considered the highest honor the U.S. government can bestow upon a civilian. It tends to recognize a lifetime of achievement in fields including public service and the arts.
Trump also presented that award to Republican radio show host and Kirk forerunner Rush Limbaugh during the 2020 State of the Union address. That presentation came a day after Limbaugh announced he was dying from lung cancer. The larger than life broadcaster succumbed to his illness on Feb. 17, 2021.
