D.C. Robert W. Kirk and Kathryn Kirk, the parents of the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk, were seen in public for the first time since their son’s terrible death a month ago. On Tuesday, October 14, they went to a solemn ceremony in the White House Rose Garden. There, President Donald Trump posthumously gave the Presidential Medal of Freedom to the founder of Turning Point USA on what would have been his 32nd birthday.
Tyler Robinson, 22, shot and killed Charlie Kirk, 31, on September 10 when he was at a school event in Utah. Mr. and Mrs. Kirk stayed out of the spotlight in the weeks after their son’s very public death. They didn’t even go to the big memorial service for him at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The conservative movement’s tribute was a big deal. It had speeches from President Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and political pundit Tucker Carlson. Kirk’s widow and new Turning Point USA CEO, Erika Kirk, were also there.
The ceremony at the White House, on the other hand, brought them back into the public eye. Social media posts showed the heartbroken parents at different times, including a video of President Trump talking to them directly.
Later, Senator Marsha Blackburn posted a picture on Instagram with an emotional tribute: “It was an honor to share a special moment with Charlie Kirk’s parents at the White House today.” The loss they have suffered is beyond words. I can’t think of a better way to honor Charlie’s life than with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. His legacy will live on forever.
Another touching video showed Mr. and Mrs. Kirk standing quietly after the formal presentation. President Trump, Vice President Vance, and Erika Kirk were nearby while the hymn “Amazing Grace” played.
After the event, the White House reaffirmed its support for Kirk’s objective by posting on Truth Social, “Freedom is not a theory, it’s a testimony.” The Trump Administration will keep doing the work that Charlie Kirk lived for every day. “To Charlie.”