WASHINGTON —

President Donald Trump announced Thursday that Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist who was murdered Wednesday at a political event in Utah, will be awarded the posthumous Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor.

"Let me express the horror and grief so many Americans at the heinous assassination of Charlie Kirk have felt. Charlie was a giant of his generation, a champion of liberty, and an inspiration to millions and millions of people," Trump said.

The president also blamed "the radical left" for violence in a speech last night, a comment that has drawn criticism from Democratic lawmakers. While police have yet to determine a motive for Kirk's murder, he is the latest political figure to be attacked.

On Capitol Hill, lawmakers from both parties are calling for a r

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