By Ariana Baio

Copyright independent

President Donald Trump announced on Thursday morning that he will posthumously give Republican activist Charlie Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor, after Kirk was fatally shot at a college campus.

“Charlie was a giant of his generation, a champion of liberty, and an inspiration to millions and millions of people,” Trump said. “We miss him greatly, yet I have no doubt that Charlie’s voice and the courage he put into the hearts of countless people, especially young people, will live on.”

Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, a nonprofit dedicated to instilling conservative values in young people on high school and college campuses, was a prominent figure in the Republican Party. Kirk had fostered a close relationship with Trump and his family, serving as a figure in the presidential transition process.

The 31-year-old Republican activist was fatally shot on Wednesday afternoon while hosting a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University in what is believed to be a targeted attack.

Law enforcement officials are still searching for the person responsible for the killing. A motive is not known at the time, though many believe it was an act of political violence since Kirk was well-known for evangelizing conservative beliefs.

The killing of Kirk has sent shockwaves through U.S. politics, especially impacting Republicans who viewed Kirk as a bright and shining example of the future of the conservative party.

Despite developing influence with prominent Republicans, including the president and members of his cabinet, Kirk did not seek an official administration position – instead choosing to continue engaging with young people in the hopes of inspiring others to join the Republican Party to reshape it for future generations.

Some conservatives, led by Trump, have characterized the killing of Kirk as that of a martyr.

Trump said he would announce the Presidential Medal of Freedom ceremony at a later date but promised it would draw “a very big crowd.”

The Medal of Freedom is given to recipients chosen by the president. It was created in 1945 to award those who have made an “especially meritorious contribution” to furthering national interests, cultural endeavors, significant public or private work, as well as world peace.

Thursday’s announcement arrived at the top of Trump’s remarks honoring the lives lost in the September 11, 2001, attacks.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also praised Kirk in remarks, saying he was the example “of a Christ follower and American patriot.”

“Charlie we love you, we know that you have heard the Lord’s words. Well done, good and faithful servant. Like those on 9/11, he will never be forgotten,” Hegeth said.