MAGA activist and podcaster Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot Wednesday, will be honored posthumously with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, President Trump announced at a 9/11 memorial ceremony Thursday.
Why it matters: It's the nation's highest civilian honor.
What he's saying: "Charlie was a giant of his generation, a champion of liberty and an inspiration to millions and millions of people," Trump said Thursday.
- He said the date of the ceremony will be announced and that there will be a "very big crowd."
- The announcement came at a memorial ceremony commemorating the 184 people killed in the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon.
Catch up quick: Kirk died on Wednesday after being shot at an event at a Utah college. The attack was swiftly condemned by lawmakers and officials across the political spectrum.
- A search for the shooter is ongoing. Authorities on Thursday said they recovered a firearm they believe was used in the shooting.
- They also said they have used security footage to track the alleged suspect's movements leading up to the incident and after the person fled the scene.
The big picture: The shooting was the latest act of political violence in the U.S., including the killing of Democratic Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband and the two assassination attempts against Trump.
- In a Wednesday night address to the nation, Trump called 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."
- He then slammed the "radical left" for rhetoric he said was "directly responsible for the terrorism that we're seeing in our country today" — and did not mention any examples of violence against Democratic politicians.
Editor's note: This story was updated with additional details and context.
