Charlie Kirk Posthumously Awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom by Donald Trump. Conservative activist Charlie Kirk has been posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Donald Trump. The USA’s highest civilian honour was accepted by Kirk’s widow, Erika, during a ceremony at the White House Rose Garden. Kirk, 31, was fatally shot on 10 September while speaking at Utah Valley University. He founded Turning Point USA, a conservative youth organisation known for campus debates and political advocacy. President Trump praised Kirk as a “fearless warrior for liberty” and a “beloved leader who galvanised the next generation.” Trump said Kirk’s name would be “forever entered into the eternal roster of true American heroes.” He called Kirk an “American patriot of the deepest conviction” who was “assassinated in the prime of his life for boldly speaking the truth.” The ceremony took place on what would have been Kirk’s 32nd birthday, with Trump commending Erika Kirk’s “unbelievable strength” in continuing his legacy. [Instructions: THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT]