US President Donald Trump on Thursday condemned the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, calling the shooter “a total animal” and pledging that investigators are closing in on the suspect.
Trump said he had spoken with Kirk’s widow, Erika, describing her as “devastated, as you can imagine.” He declined to reveal a possible motive for the attack, stating, “I have an indication, but we’ll let you know about that later.”
Kirk, 31, was fatally shot in the neck on Wednesday while answering a question on mass shootings during a debate at Utah Valley University, according to The New York Times. He is survived by his wife and two young daughters. Founder of Turning Point USA, Kirk was a prominent conservative voice who regularly toured college campuses advocating free speech.
When asked about his own safety in light of the killing, Trump said he was “not really” concerned, though his security had been tightened. He shifted focus to the wider threat of political violence, blaming “radical left lunatics” for creating a climate of hostility. “We have a great country, but we have a radical left group of lunatics out there, just absolute lunatics, and we’re going to get that problem solved. I’m only concerned for the country,” he said.
On Wednesday night, Trump had called Kirk’s death a “dark moment for America,” describing him as a patriot who “devoted his life to open debate and to the country he loved so much.” He added, “He’s a martyr for truth and freedom,” accusing political opponents of fueling hatred against conservatives.
As a mark of respect, Trump ordered US flags at federal buildings, military posts, naval stations, and embassies worldwide to be flown at half-mast until September 14.