During an interview with Fox News, former President Donald Trump recounted the moment he was informed about the tragic death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, a key figure in the right-wing youth movement in the United States. Trump described how he was in a meeting with architects at the White House, discussing the long-awaited project of building a grand ballroom, when he was told about Kirk's demise.
"They came in and said, 'Charlie Kirk is dead.' I was shocked and asked, 'What do you mean dead?' They replied, 'Charlie Kirk was shot...'," Trump recounted. The news was so overwhelming that he immediately dismissed the meeting, saying, "I just told them to leave. It was the worst, so bad for our country."
Tributes and Symbolic Actions
Thousands have attended vigils to honor Kirk, whose remains were transported to Arizona on Air Force Two for his funeral. Trump confirmed his attendance at the ceremony, expressing, "He shouldn't be having a funeral now. He should be here... He had a huge impact on the elections. I gained so many young voters... and I give him a lot of credit."
Kirk was the founder and CEO of Turning Point USA, an influential conservative organization promoting its ideals across universities and high schools in the U.S. Trump signed an official proclamation in Kirk's honor, describing him as an "American patriot and champion of freedom." Furthermore, he announced that Kirk will be posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor.
The former president highlighted the personal bond between his family and Kirk, recalling a lunch he arranged for his son Barron to meet the activist: "He came back and said, 'That guy is awesome, dad!'" Kirk is survived by his wife and two young children. Trump revealed that he had spoken to Kirk's wife, who is "devastated."
A Politically Charged Crime
At 31, Charlie Kirk was fatally shot in the neck while participating in a Q&A session at Utah Valley University. The shooter, firing from a nearby rooftop, fled through a wooded area. Police identified the suspect as Tyler Robinson, 22, who surrendered to authorities after being persuaded by a religious pastor and his father. Robinson allegedly acted alone and confessed his involvement to an acquaintance.
Trump announced on Friday morning, with a "high degree of certainty," that the suspect was in custody, stating, "I believe we have him." The police investigation uncovered substantial evidence against Robinson, including an ideologically inscribed high-powered rifle, shoe prints, and a palm print linking him to the attack.
The FBI had offered a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading to the arrest, receiving over 7,000 tips before making the arrest. Utah Governor Spencer Cox confirmed the suspect's recent political radicalization, supporting the theory of an ideologically driven crime.
Trump Calls for Capital Punishment
In the same interview, Trump advocated for the death penalty for Robinson and the perpetrator of another murder involving Iryna Zarutska, a Ukrainian refugee stabbed on a train in North Carolina in August. "Utah has the death penalty, and the governor is keen on enforcing it. He should be. North Carolina also has it, and we must ensure it's upheld. That was a horrific crime," Trump stated.
He directly blamed the "radical left" for the political violence that, in his view, led to the tragedy. "Charlie was a martyr for truth and freedom. No one was more respected by the youth. He was a man of deep faith and is now at peace with God," Trump declared.
National Debate
Kirk's death has sparked widespread condemnation and reignited the debate on political violence in the United States. For some, his murder symbolizes the peril of an increasingly polarized climate; for others, it represents a painful contradiction, as Kirk had openly defended gun rights, stating that "gun deaths are the price of freedom" during his lifetime.
Meanwhile, the academic community has questioned the lack of security during the event, and social media is flooded with messages of mourning and controversy: some remember him as a tireless patriot, while others see him as a victim of a system he helped sustain.
Key Questions About Charlie Kirk's Tragic Death
What was Charlie Kirk's role in the conservative movement?
Charlie Kirk was a prominent figure in the conservative movement, serving as the founder and CEO of Turning Point USA, an organization focused on promoting conservative values in educational institutions across the United States.
Who is suspected of Charlie Kirk's murder?
Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old, is the suspect in Charlie Kirk's murder. He was identified by police and later turned himself in to authorities after being persuaded by a religious pastor and his father.
How did Donald Trump react to Charlie Kirk's death?
Donald Trump expressed shock and sorrow upon hearing of Charlie Kirk's death. He immediately ended a meeting he was in and later announced plans to attend Kirk's funeral and posthumously award him the Presidential Medal of Freedom.