Washington, 15 October (H.S.):US President Donald Trump posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s most distinguished civilian honor, to conservative activist Charlie Kirk in a solemn White House ceremony on Tuesday. Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, accepted the medal on what would have been her husband’s 32nd birthday, just over a month after his assassination.

Hailing Kirk as a martyr for truth and freedom, Trump delivered a powerful tribute, comparing the influential young conservative to historic figures such as Socrates, Saint Peter, Abraham Lincoln, and Martin Luther King Jr. The former president emphasized the gravity of the occasion, stating he hurried back halfway across the world from a trip to the Middle East to preside over the event.

Our nation was robbed of this extraordinary champion, Trump declared, vowing to intensify a crackdown on what he termed radical left violence, extremism and terror in the wake of Kirk’s death .In a deeply emotional acceptance speech, Erika Kirk thanked Trump for what she called the best birthday gift he could ever have.

Holding back tears, she spoke of her late husband’s legacy and her commitment to continuing his work with the youth organization he co-founded, Turning Point USA, where she now serves as CEO .

God began an incredible mission through my husband, and I am determined to see it through, she stated, affirming that the torch is now in our hands.

Charlie Kirk, 31, was fatally shot on September 10, 2025, while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University . The incident, which Trump described as an assassination in the prime of his life, sent shockwaves through the nation. A 22-year-old suspect, Tyler Robinson, has been charged in connection with the murder.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar