President Donald Trump is paying tribute.
The 79-year-old spoke out on Charlie Kirk‘s death hours after the conservative activist was fatally shot at a speaking event at Utah Valley University. He was 31.
“I am filled with grief and anger at the heinous assassination of Charlie Kirk on a college campus in Utah,” he said in a video message Sept. 10. “Charlie inspired millions and tonight all who knew him and loved him are united in shock and horror.”
Trump went on to highlight Kirk’s impact and his passion for debate.
“His mission was to bring young people into the political process which he did better than anyone ever,” the politician continued. “He championed his ideas with courage, logic, humor and grace. It’s a long past time 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 day after day, year after year, in the most hateful and despicable way possible.”
Trump shared, “This is a dark moment for America.”
Kirk—who co-founded conservative advocacy group Turning Point USA—was about 20 minutes into a presentation at the Utah Valley University when witnesses heard gunfire from a nearby building, a spokesperson for the college told NBC News.
