President Donald Trump said he would attend Charlie Kirk‘s funeral after he returns from a preplanned trip to the United Kingdom next week.
“I believe it’s in Arizona,” Trump said on Thursday when asked about the funeral arrangements for the conservative activist and Turning Point USA founder. “They’ve asked me to go, and I think I have an obligation to.”
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Trump said he was “hearing” the funeral would be scheduled next weekend, presumably after he returns from abroad. During his three-day visit to the UK, Trump will meet with King Charles and Queen Camilla, along with the Prince and Princess of Wales. He will also meet with Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
CHARLIE KIRK DEAD AFTER BEING SHOT AT UTAH VALLEY UNIVERSITY EVENT
Trump told reporters that law enforcement was making “big progress” toward finding Kirk’s killer, whom he called an “animal.” The unidentified gunman shot the 31-year-old Kirk while he was speaking at the Utah Valley University campus on Wednesday. The FBI released a photo on Thursday of a “person of interest” and offered a $100,000 award.
An older model Mauser .30-06 caliber bolt action rifle was recovered by law enforcement in a wooded area of campus, but a manhunt is underway for the male suspect who fled from the scene.
The president appeared to suggest that a motive has been determined for the killing.”I have an indication,” Trump said. “Yeah, but we’ll let you know about that later.”
Earlier Thursday, Trump awarded Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously.
TRUMP AND VANCE LEAD MOURNING AFTER CHARLIE KIRK KILLED IN UTAH
“Charlie Kirk was a great person, a great man, great in every way, especially with youth,” he said.
Vice President JD Vance canceled a planned 9/11 event in New York City on Thursday to travel to Salt Lake City, Utah, where Kirk’s casket will fly on Air Force Two from Utah to Phoenix, Arizona, later Thursday.
Kirk is survived by his wife, Erika, and two children.