Around 2:30 p.m. on 10/9, aides entered the Oval Office to deliver devastating news to President Donald Trump as he worked with his advisory team: Charlie Kirk, 31, a prominent conservative political activist in the US and a particular favorite of Trump, had been shot while speaking at Utah Valley University.

President Trump was stunned by the news, repeatedly requesting updates from his aides over the following hour. Senior White House communications staff immediately gathered in the West Wing, in the area known as the "Upper Press Deck," and confirmed that Kirk had died.

Shock, disbelief, and grief were the initial reactions from White House staff upon hearing of Kirk's death, with many crying as they worked, according to inside sources who spoke to NBC. "Everyone was crushed with sadness," recounted a US government advisor present at the White House at the time.

US President Donald Trump addresses the Oval Office about Charlie Kirk's assassination on 10/9. Photo: WH

US President Donald Trump addresses the Oval Office about Charlie Kirk's assassination on 10/9. Photo: WH

After receiving updates from his aides, Trump's grief turned to fury. He resolved to act decisively to protect the legacy of his fallen ally and demanded that the perpetrator be found at all costs.

The US president personally called several reporters to comment on the tragedy, speaking of Kirk "in the past tense," as revealed by two White House officials. Trump was also the first to publicly confirm Kirk's death, calling him "a legend" beloved by all. The president then signed an executive order to lower flags to half-staff nationwide until 14/9.

Throughout 10/9, the focus at the White House was almost entirely on the assassination of the 31-year-old conservative activist, as staff tried to comprehend what had happened. Many were glued to their TV screens. President Trump's afternoon schedule, which had been filled with policy discussions, became a series of prayers for Kirk, a senior White House official told the Washington Post.

For many in the White House, Kirk's death evoked the haunting memories of the two assassination attempts against Trump in 2024. The president even displayed a painting depicting the moment he narrowly escaped death during the attempted assassination in Butler, Pennsylvania, in 7/2024, emphasizing the dangers he and his allies face in contemporary American politics.

Many White House staffers had known Kirk for nearly a decade, since Trump's first presidential campaign in 2016. He had made significant contributions to Trump's success in the 2024 campaign, helping him attract younger voters.

Turning Point USA (TPUSA), the organization founded by Kirk to spread conservative values on college campuses, played a vital role in mobilizing voters for Trump and other Republican candidates in last year's elections, not only in the presidential race but also in congressional and other local races.

Trump and Charlie Kirk at a victory celebration in Phoenix, Arizona, on 22/12/2024. Photo: AFP

Trump and Charlie Kirk at a victory celebration in Phoenix, Arizona, on 22/12/2024. Photo: AFP

The young political activist was also a close friend of many in Trump's inner circle, including his eldest son, Donald Jr., and Vice President JD Vance.

"These moments remind us how fragile life is. Don't wait to tell someone how much they mean to you. You can’t admire someone in silence. Charlie knew we loved him, but I want to say it again: He was my brother, and I’ll cherish that forever," Donald Jr. wrote.

Vice President JD Vance campaigned alongside Kirk during his 2022 run for the US Senate in Ohio. In a message posted on X on the night of 10/9, Vance recounted how he was working in the West Wing when group chats exploded with news of his friend's assassination.

"I prayed a lot over the next hour, but eventually the sad news came. God didn’t answer those prayers. Maybe He has other plans for Charlie," Vance wrote.

On social media, some of Trump's allies called for decisive action following the assassination, including messages advocating for violent retaliation. However, White House officials believe it's too early to formulate any further political response, as police have not yet identified any suspects.

In a televised address from the Oval Office that night, President Trump called Charlie Kirk's assassination "a dark moment for America." He blamed the media and "left-wing extremists" for their attacks on Kirk, using dangerous rhetoric.

"For years, left-wing extremists have compared great Americans like Charlie to fascists, to mass murderers, and the worst criminals in the world. It is this very extreme rhetoric that has led directly to the act of terror we are witnessing in our country today," Trump said.

Thanh Danh (Via Washington Post, NBC, Fox)