US President Donald Trump said on 11/9 that he was more concerned about the country than his own safety after the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
"He was an advocate of the non-violent path. I want everyone to react that way," President Trump told reporters as he left the White House for New York to attend memorials for the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Kirk, 31, was assassinated on 10/9 while speaking at Utah Valley University. Kirk had maintained that his message always aimed to oppose violence, encourage dialogue despite differences of opinion, and support critical thinking among American students. He repeatedly accused "Antifa and far-left groups" of forcing him to cancel speaking engagements at universities.
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US President Donald Trump speaks outside the White House on 11/9, before departing for New York. Photo: AFP |
US President Donald Trump speaks outside the White House on 11/9, before departing for New York. Photo: AFP
President Trump said he had spoken with Kirk's wife, Erika, who is "extremely grieved." He commented that the country is being threatened "by a crazy, extreme left-wing group," but expressed confidence that America "will defeat this group."
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) said it had recovered the rifle believed to be the murder weapon, while Utah state police said they had video of the suspect and identified him as being of college age. Investigators also released an image of a suspect in the case and offered a $100,000 reward for information leading to the identification and arrest of Kirk's assassin.
Earlier, at a 9/11 memorial event at the Pentagon, President Trump announced he would posthumously award Charlie Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America's highest civilian honor.
He said Kirk was "an icon of a generation, a champion of freedom and an inspiration to millions". The date for the award ceremony will be announced in the near future, and Trump predicted the event would draw a large crowd.
Thanh Danh (ABC, Politico, Guardian)
