Erika Kirk accepts Medal of Freedom for slain husband Charlie Kirk

by · UPI

Oct. 14 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump posthumously awarded the Medal of Freedom to slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk on Tuesday afternoon at the White House.

The event was held at the newly remodeled Rose Garden, and the president was accompanied by Erika Kirk, hand in hand, as they exited the White House and Trump approached the lectern for the ceremonial event.

"Today, we are here to honor and remember a fearless warrior for liberty, a beloved leader who galvanized the next generation like nobody I've ever seen before," the president said.

He described Charlie Kirk, 31, as "an American patriot of the deepest conviction, the finest quality and the highest caliber."

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"Five weeks ago, our nation was robbed of this extraordinary champion," Trump said.

"It was a horrible, heinous, demonic act of murder," the president continued. "He was assassinated in the prime of his life for boldly speaking the truth, for living his faith and relentlessly fighting for a better, stronger America."

He said Charlie loved the country and is deserving of posthumously being awarded the nation's highest honor for a civilian, the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Trump spoke of Charlie Kirk's love for his wife and their two children and said Erika has served as an inspiration for the nation following her husband's assassination during a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on Sept. 10.

The president also said Charlie Kirk was very wise for being such a young man and that he supported his election effort in 2016 when many others thought he had no chance of becoming president.

He called the Presidential Medal of Freedom a "really big deal" and presented the award to Erika, 36, on what would have been her husband's 32nd birthday.

Trump said the event was the first to be held at the "new and improved Rose Garden," in which a hardened surface was placed to support outdoor events.

Erika struggled to hold back tears as she joined Trump at the podium to accept the Medal of Freedom on her husband's behalf.

A military aide recited the wording of the award certificate, saying: "Charlie Kirk was one of the most influential American political figures of his generation.

"At just 18 years old, he founded Turning Point USA and grew it into one of the largest conservative youth organizations in the nation. For over a decade, he tirelessly traveled the country, leading a movement to restore respect for our founding principles, reawaken our national identity and inspire a new spirit of religious devotion.

"He was one of the great debaters and communicators of his time. Despite receiving repeated threats, he remained undeterred and modeled courage, logic, humor and grace to the next generation."

"The United States honors him as a martyr for truth and freedom," the certificate concludes.

The president then presented the medal to Erika, who briefly addressed the audience.

She thanked those in attendance and watching from home for "loving us and believing in what Charlie Kirk believed in."

Erika told those at Turning Point USA chapters watching across the country that they are the "heartbeat of the future and of this movement.

"Everything that Charlie built, you guys are the legacy-holders of that," she said. "You are living proof that the mission did not die with him. It lives through you.

"Charlie always said the next generation will decide whether freedom endures," she added. "And because of you, I know that freedom will endure."

She said Charlie Kirk gave his "entire life" to freedom and the award affirms that the "national interest of the United States has always been freedom."

Erika Kirk succeeds her husband as the leader of Turning Point USA, which has received tens of thousands of requests to found new chapters and schools, colleges and universities across the nation since Charlie Kirk's assassination.

Accused killer Tyler Robinson is being tried for a capital murder offense in Utah and related charges for allegedly targeting Charlie Kirk last month.