President Donald Trump on Thursday voiced concern for the nation within the wake of the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, and mentioned he needed his supporters to reply with “nonviolence.”
Trump was requested if he is frightened for his personal security within the wake of Wednesday’s deadly capturing of Kirk as he left the White Home for New York on Thursday afternoon.
“Not likely,” the president responded. “I am actually involved for our nation. Now we have a terrific nation. Now we have a radical left group of lunatics on the market, simply absolute lunatics, and we will get that drawback solved. I am solely involved for the nation.”
Trump was additionally pressed on how he needs his supporters to reply, as tensions stay excessive in Washington and across the nation.
“He was an advocate of nonviolence. That is the way in which I might wish to see folks reply,” Trump mentioned.
President Donald Trump speaks to the media earlier than boarding Marine One upon departure for New York, in Washington, D.C., Sept. 11, 2025.
Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters
Kirk, a close ally of Trump and a buddy to many within the administration, was shot throughout an occasion at Utah Valley College on Wednesday. Trump later that day introduced his demise.
A manhunt for Kirk’s killer is underway. The FBI mentioned on Thursday it has recovered what’s believed to be the weapon utilized by the shooter, and officers mentioned the suspect is believed to be a college-aged particular person. Authorities additionally launched pictures of an individual of curiosity and provided a reward of as much as $100,000 for info resulting in the identification and arrest of the individual liable for Kirk’s homicide.
Trump was requested if he was involved that authorities haven’t but apprehended the one who killed Charlie Kirk, now greater than 24 hours after the capturing.
“Nicely, I hear they’re making huge progress, and we’ll should see what occurs,” Trump mentioned.
Trump additionally mentioned he has “a sign” in regards to the motive behind the capturing however did not share extra, solely telling reporters, “We’ll let you recognize about that later.”
Trump mentioned he spoke to Kirk’s spouse, Erika, and that she was “completely devastated.” Kirk is survived by his wife and their two young children.
Earlier within the day, Trump introduced he’ll posthumously award Kirk with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
“Charlie was an enormous of his technology, a champion of liberty and an inspiration to thousands and thousands and thousands and thousands of individuals,” Trump mentioned on the high of his remarks at a memorial occasion on the Pentagon to commemorate the anniversary of the 9/11 terror assaults.
Donald Trump and Melania Trump attend a September eleventh observance occasion within the courtyard of the Pentagon September 11, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia.
Andrew Harnik/Getty Pictures
The White Home moved Thursday’s 9/11 ceremony on the Pentagon into the courtyard, away from the 9/11 memorial the place the somber ceremony has been held for many years, in mild of Kirk’s killing.
“We miss him drastically, but I’ve little question that Charlie’s voice and braveness put into the hearts of numerous folks, particularly younger folks, will reside on,” the president mentioned in these remarks.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the very best civilian award within the U.S. Trump mentioned that the day of the ceremony can be introduced quickly, including he thought it will absolutely draw an enormous crowd.
Vice President JD Vance and second girl Usha Vance had been to fulfill with Kirk’s household and a lot of his shut pals in Salt Lake Metropolis, Utah, on Thursday, a supply confirmed to ABC Information.
Vice President JD Vance speaks to the press after paying his respects to victims of the Annunciation Catholic Church capturing in Minneapolis, Minnesota, September 3, 2025.
Alex Wroblewski/Pool through Reuters
Kirk’s casket, alongside together with his household and pals, was then going to be flown to Phoenix, Arizona, aboard Air Pressure Two, the supply additionally confirmed.
Vance mourned Kirk in an extended social media submit, wherein he described Kirk as a “true buddy.”
“The type of man you would say one thing to and know it will all the time stick with him,” Vance wrote on X. “I’m on various group chats with Charlie and other people he launched me to through the years. We have a good time weddings and infants, bust one another’s chops, and mourn the lack of family members. We speak about politics and coverage and sports activities and life. These group chats embody folks on the very highest stage of our authorities. They trusted him, liked him, and knew he’d all the time have their backs.”
