Trump Says Charlie Kirk’s Widow ‘Devastated’ After Tragedy
President Donald J. Trump said Thursday that Erika Frantzve Kirk, the widow of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, is “absolutely devastated” following her husband’s assassination during a speaking engagement in Utah.
Speaking to reporters outside the White House, Trump said he personally reached out to Erika, a 31-year-old conservative activist and mother of two young children. “I spoke to Erika, his wife. And we had a long talk. And she’s devastated. She is absolutely devastated, as you can imagine,” Trump told the press, according to the New York Post.
The president added that he has an “indication” of the gunman’s motive but did not provide details, citing the ongoing investigation. Trump confirmed “rapid developments” in the nationwide manhunt for the suspect.
Law enforcement officials said two people were briefly taken into custody after Wednesday’s shooting but were later released. The primary suspect remains at large.
The FBI has offered a $100,000 reward for information leading to the identification and capture of the killer. Authorities released two surveillance images of a “person of interest,” described as a lanky man in dark clothing, wraparound sunglasses, and a T-shirt with an eagle and American flag that read “Land of the free, home of the brave.”
Trump announced earlier Thursday that Kirk will be posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. “Charlie was a giant of his generation, a champion of liberty and an inspiration to millions and millions of people,” Trump said. “I’m pleased to announce that I will soon be awarding Charlie Kirk posthumously the Presidential Medal of Freedom.”
Hours before the tragedy, Erika Kirk posted an ominous message on social media, sharing two Bible verses: “Psalm 46:1 – God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble,” and “Psalm 34:8 – Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!”
Charlie Kirk was fatally struck in the throat by a single rifle shot at approximately 12:20 p.m. Wednesday while speaking in the student courtyard at Utah Valley University in Orem.
The FBI confirmed Thursday that agents had recovered extensive security footage showing the suspect fleeing from a rooftop into a nearby neighborhood. A high-powered bolt-action rifle believed to have been used in the attack was also discovered in a wooded area near the campus, along with forensic evidence pointing to a shooter “appearing to be of college age,” according to the bureau.
“The FBI is working alongside our local and state law enforcement partners in Utah to fully investigate and seek justice in the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University,” the bureau said in a statement on X. FBI Director Kash Patel added that the agency “stands in full support of the ongoing response and investigation.”
Utah Department of Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason called the attack “targeted,” confirming that the fatal shot was fired from an elevated position approximately 200 yards away. “The shooter is believed to have fired from the roof of a building down to the location of the public event in the student courtyard,” officials said.
The assassination of Charlie Kirk has left the conservative movement in mourning while intensifying demands for swift justice.