'Dark moment for America': Trump declares Charlie Kirk's voice 'bigger and grander' after assassination
President Donald Trump addressed the nation in the wake of Charlie Kirk's death the conservative activist who was tragically shot Wednesday during an appearance at Utah Valley University The president spoke with sincerity and compassion calling the perpetrator a monster and declaring it a dark moment for America Trump s remarks in the four-minute report focused on Kirk s legacy as a patriot and leader while also condemning the heritage of political demonization that fuels violence He described Kirk as a wonderful American who embodied the values of faith liberty and courage and vowed that his administration would pursue accountability for those responsible CHARLIE KIRK TURNING POINT USA FOUNDER DEAD AT AFTER UTAH CAMPUS SHOOTINGTrump also reminded Americans of the attempt on his life in Butler Pennsylvania last year placing Kirk s death in a broader context of escalating political violence across America Kirk was answering questions from students during the first stop of his American Comeback Tour when a gunman fired a shot from a rooftop fatally striking him in the neck The shocking assassination of the Turning Point USA co-founder abruptly ended the event as thousands ran in panic and left the nation reeling Trump verified the death on Truth Social before later delivering his solemn address celebrating Kirk s life and impact CHARLIE KIRK NAMES JD VANCE AS GUIDING LIGHT FOR YOUNG CONSERVATIVES BUT SAYS GOP MUST DELIVER ON PROMISES Charlie inspired millions and tonight all who knew him and loved him are united in shock and horror he mentioned He 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 Trump mentioned The president also emphasized Kirk s rare bond with the younger generations saying His mission was to bring young people into the political process which he did better than anybody ever to share his love of country and to spread the simple words of common sense on campuses nationwide I'M A YOUNG DEMOCRAT AND I'VE GOT TO ADMIT MY PARTY IS LOSING WHILE LOOKING AT Trump also issued a strong warning about the dangers of political rhetoric that fuels violence It s long past time for all Americans and the media to confront the fact that violence and murder are the tragic consequence of demonizing those with whom you disagree day after day year after year in the most of hateful and despicable way attainable Trump added that for years those on the radical left have compared wonderful Americans like Charlie to Nazis and the world s worst mass murderers and criminals In closing Trump vowed that Kirk s mission would endure An assassin tried to silence him with a bullet but he failed because together we will ensure that his voice his message and his legacy will live on for countless generations to come This day because of this heinous act Charlie s voice has become bigger and grander than ever before and it s not even close the president mentioned
