‘Great, legendary’: Trump pays tribute to ally Charlie Kirk shot dead in Utah

Mourning the loss of one of his most prominent allies, Charlie Kirk, US President Donald Trump addressed the nation from the Oval Office. The Rightwing activist was fatally shot dead while addressing a rally at Utah Valley University.

Trump initially confirmed the news of Kirk’s death in a post on TruthSocial. “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife, Erika and family. Charlie, we love you!” Trump wrote in the post.

Before his Oval Office address, Trump told ABC News: “It’s horrific. It’s one of the most horrible things I’ve ever seen.” “He was a good man. He was an incredible guy. Nobody like him,” Trump told the American news outlet.

‘Dark moment for America’: Trump

During his address from the Oval Office, Trump called the perpetrator “a monster” and declared that Kirk’s killing is a “ dark moment for America”. Trump’s 4-minute-long address to the nation focused on Kirk’s legacy and condemned the culture of political demonisation that fuels violence.

He went on to describe 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. While concluding his address, Trump reminded Americans of the attempt on his life in Butler, Pennsylvania, last year.

The 31-year-old 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 assassination of the Turning Point USA co-founder abruptly ended the event as thousands scrambled in panic.

Trump’s inner circle mourns the loss

Trump is not the only one from the White House to mourn the death of Kirk. First Lady Melania Trump released a statement on Wednesday, sharing her grief for Kirk’s two young children, calling for more “compassionate awareness.”

“Charlie’s children will be raised with stories instead of memories, photographs instead of laughter, and silence where their father’s voice should have echoed. Charlie Kirk’s life should serve as a symbolic reminder that compassionate awareness elevates family, love, and country,” she wrote.

Several top officials within the Trump administration have also issued messages of support for Kirk and his family. Vice President JD Vance shared Trump’s announcement of Kirk’s death and wrote on X, “Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord.” Donald Trump Jr, who worked closely with Kirk on the 2016 campaign, posted online: “I love you, brother. You gave so many people the courage to speak up, and we will never be silenced.”

In light of the tragedy, Trump had ordered all American flags throughout the country to be lowered to half-staff through Sunday evening in honour of Kirk.