Speaking to reporters in the aftermath of the Charlie Kirk assassination, US President Trump said he had “a long talk” with Erika Frantzve, Charlie Kirk’s wife and that she is “absolutely devastated.” Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was shot during an appearance at Utah Valley University on September 10. When asked if progress has been made in finding the shooter, Trump said authorities are making “big progress” in the search. He said he has an “indication” of what may have driven the killer but refused to elaborate, only adding that there have been rapid developments in the investigation. After condemning the attack and calling it "a dark moment for America", President Donald Trump expressed grief over losing one of his closest allies. “Radical left political violence has hurt too many innocent people,” he said. Charlie Kirk leaves behind his wife Erika and their two young children. “I spoke to Erika, his wife. And we had a long talk,” Trump told reporters Thursday. “She’s devastated. Absolutely devastated, as you can imagine.” He went on to call the shooter “an animal, a total animal, and hopefully they’ll catch him.” Assassination Aftermath US VIce-President J D Vance reached Arizona with Charlie Kirk's casket aboard Air Force Two on Thursday. Vance's wife, Usha, stepped off the plane with Kirk's widow, Erika. The FBI released surveillance photos of a person of interest and is offering up to $100,000 for information that leads to the shooter’s arrest. Donald Trump said he will posthumously award Charlie Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Kirk had remained a staunch Republican since Trump’s first term in the White House and played an active role in campaigning for him during the 2024 presidential run. Trump praised Kirk on Truth Social and called him “a giant of his generation” and “an inspiration to millions.” Trump also said he plans to attend Kirk’s funeral, which he believes will be next weekend in Arizona. Turning Point USA, Kirk’s group, said the organisation “lost a leader, a mentor, and a friend.” They said Kirk had received thousands of threats in his life but still kept speaking to young people. "Charlie was no stranger to threats," they said in a statement. "He received thousands throughout his life. But he always prioritized reaching as many young Americans as possible over his own personal safety." (With Inputs from NBC, Independent,AP)
