President Donald Trump will award political activist Charlie Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously, Fox News reported.
The president made the announcement Thursday, a day after Kirk, 31, was gunned down on a university campus.
“I will soon be awarding Charlie Kirk posthumously, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The day of the ceremony will be announced, and I can only guarantee you one thing. That we will have a very big crowd. Very, very big,” Trump said as he was speaking at a ceremony at the Pentagon.
Trump said Kirk was “a giant of his generation, a champion of liberty and an inspiration to millions and millions of people.”
The president said the ceremony date would be announced soon, and promised “a very big crowd. Very, very big.”
“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,” Trump said.
Kirk co-founded the conservative student group Turning Point USA in 2012.
Kirk, a staunch supporter of Trump, was speaking at a “Prove Me Wrong” debate at Utah Valley University, in Orem, Utah.
The shooter remains at large, but the weapon has been recovered.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the nation’s highest civilian honor and is awarded to individuals who have made “’especially meritorious’ contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, or cultural and public endeavors,” per the outlet.
Others who have received the honor include presidents, lawmakers and foreign leaders to athletes, entertainers and human rights figures.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth spoke of Kirk during the wreath laying ceremony to mark the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
“The young soldiers who take the oath give me hope. The young cops who wear the badge give me hope. The young firefighters answered the call. Give me hope. The young agents who patrol our border give me hope. The life example and even death of Christ follower, American patriot Charlie Kirk give me hope,” he said.
“Sheer courage, no matter the arena. Charlie, we love you know that you have heard the Lord’s words. Well done, good and faithful servant. Full heart, clear eyes.”
