ISTANBUL 

US President Donald Trump said Thursday that he will award conservative commentator Charlie Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom following his assassination at a university event in the Western state of Utah.

"I'm pleased to announce that I will soon be awarded Charlie Kirk posthumously, the Presidential Medal of Freedom," Trump said, speaking at a Pentagon ceremony commemorating the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

He said that a ceremony would be held, with a date to be announced later, and "will have a very big crowd."

The Presidential Medal of Freedom, along with the Congressional Gold Medal, is the highest civilian award in the US.

Trump also expressed condolences to Kirk's family, calling them "fantastic people." "We miss him greatly," he said.

He described Kirk as "a giant of his generation" and "a champion of liberty" who inspired millions.

Trump expressed confidence that Kirk's influence would endure, saying his "voice and the courage he put into the hearts of countless people, especially young people, will live on."

Kirk, 31, was fatally shot Wednesday afternoon while addressing thousands at Utah Valley University in the city of Orem, some 40 miles (64.4 kilometers) south of Salt Lake City. The apparent targeted attack occurred despite security including six university police officers and Kirk's private team.

Online videos captured the moment a bullet struck Kirk as he spoke, sending students fleeing in panic. He was rushed to a hospital where he pronounced dead hours later.