BREAKING: Trump to posthumously award Charlie Kirk with Presidential Medal of Freedom

"Before we begin, let me express the horror and grief so many Americans at the heinous assassination of Charlie Kirk have felt. Charlie was a giant of his generation, a champion of liberty, and an inspiration to millions and millions of people. 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."

"I am pleased to announce that I will soon be awarding Charlie Kirk, posthumously, the Presidential Medal of Freedom," he continued, adding that the date of the ceremony will be announced at a future time.

Trump issued a statement on Wednesday night following the assassination, which saw Kirk shot in the throat as he was conducting an event at Utah Valley University.

"To my great fellow Americans. I am filled with grief and anger at the heinous assassination of Charlie Kirk on a college campus in Utah. Charlie inspired millions, and tonight, all who knew him and loved him are united in shock and horror."

"Charlie was a patriot who devoted his life to the cause of open debate and the country that he loved so much, the United States of America. He fought for liberty, democracy, justice and the American people. He's a martyr for truth and freedom, and there's never been anyone who was so respected by youth.

"Charlie was also a man of deep, deep faith, and we take comfort in the knowledge that he is now at peace with God in heaven. Our prayers are with his wife, Erika, the two young, beloved children and his entire family who he loved more than anything in the world, we ask God to watch over them in this terrible hour of heartache and pain, this is a dark moment for America."

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