Charlie Kirk’s killing stuns Washington; calls grow to lower political temperature, increase security
President Trump announced a posthumous Medal of Freedom for Charlie Kirk, while lawmakers urge for reduced political rhetoric following his murder.
President Trump announced a posthumous Medal of Freedom for Charlie Kirk, while lawmakers urge for reduced political rhetoric following his murder.
President Trump announced a posthumous Medal of Freedom for Charlie Kirk, while lawmakers urge for reduced political rhetoric following his murder.
President Donald Trump announced Thursday that Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist who was murdered Wednesday at a political event in Utah, will be awarded the posthumous Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor.
"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," Trump said.
The president also blamed "the radical left" for violence in a speech last night, a comment that has drawn criticism from Democratic lawmakers. While police have yet to determine a motive for Kirk's murder, he is the latest political figure to be attacked.
On Capitol Hill, lawmakers from both parties are calling for a reduction in political rhetoric and temperature. House Speaker Mike Johnson said many members have reached out to him about security following the event.
"We're in a very deliberate review process right now to determine what measures are approp0riate, how much we can allocate for that," Johnson said.
Congress recently increased funding for lawmaker security, allowing a $5,000 allotment until the end of the year.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer emphasized the need for unity. "Violence which affects so many different people of so many different political persuasions is an affliction of America and coming together is what we ought to be doing, not pointing fingers of blame," Schumer said.
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Elected officials and activists across the political spectrum are canceling their speaking engagements this week due to concerns about political violence. The State Department has warned that foreigners who glorify Kirk's killing or speak about it in a way deemed to be making light of the situation could lose their visas or be denied entry.
The FBI has released photos of a person of interest in the investigation. They believe the gunman shot Kirk from a roof, jumped down, and ran into a nearby neighborhood, disposing of his bolt-action rifle in a wooded area.