Trump's first statement following the killing of right-wing activist Kirk

U.S. President Donald Trump released a video message for right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, who lost his life as a result of an armed attack at Utah Valley University. Stating that Kirk was killed in a "vile assassination," Trump expressed that he was both deeply saddened and angered by the event. Trump said, "Charlie inspired millions of people, and tonight everyone who knew and loved him is in shock and horror. Charlie was a patriot who dedicated his life to the idea of open debate and to the country he loved so much, the United States of America."

“A DARK MOMENT FOR AMERICA”

Trump emphasized that Kirk was a figure who fought for freedom, democracy, and justice. He stated, "Our prayers are with his wife Erica, his two beloved young children, and his family, whom he loved more than anything in the world. We pray that God protects them during these hours of pain and grief. This is a dark moment for America." Noting that Kirk traveled the country to involve young people in politics and was always in favor of common-sense debate, Trump said he defended his ideas with courage, logic, and grace.

“THE LANGUAGE OF THE RADICAL LEFT FUELS TERROR”

Trump blamed the "rhetoric of the radical left" for the increasing incidents of violence in the country. He stated, "It is time for all Americans and the media to face this reality: Violence and murder are the tragic result of relentlessly and hatefully demonizing those with opposing views in a despicable manner. For years, the radical left has compared wonderful Americans like Charlie to Nazis, the world's most horrific murderers, and criminals. Such rhetoric is directly responsible for the terrorism we are witnessing in our country today and must end immediately."

Emphasizing that the current administration will bring the perpetrators of recent political violence to justice one by one, Trump said, "The radical left's political violence has harmed too many innocent people and taken too many lives."

“WE WILL KEEP HIS LEGACY ALIVE”

Trump expressed that Kirk lost his life for the sake of freedom of speech, the rule of law, patriotism, and the love of God. He issued a call, saying, "Tonight, I ask all Americans to dedicate themselves to these values." Stating that the attack that killed Kirk was not just against him but against all of America, Trump said, "An assassin tried to silence him with a bullet but failed; because together, we will ensure that his voice, his message, and his legacy continue to live on for generations to come."

Trump also ordered that flags across the U.S. be flown at half-staff until Sunday evening in memory of Charlie Kirk.

News Source: İHA