President Donald Trump was one of the few speakers at Charlie Kirk’s memorial to directly address the suspected killer, whom he described as a “radicalised, cold-blooded monster,” CNN reported. He made the comment shortly after Erika Kirk had declared from the stage that she forgave the alleged assassin.

Trump received hearty applause as he celebrated Kirk’s “will to fight, fight, fight,” praising the late activist’s courage and determination. “The lesson of Charlie’s life is that you should never underestimate what one person can do with a good heart, a righteous cause, a cheerful spirit, and the will to fight, fight, fight,” Trump said. “We’re saving our country, and Charlie’s a big factor.”

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Donald Trump’s remarks on Charlie Kirk

The president branded Kirk’s assassination as an attack on conservatives everywhere. “The gun was pointed at him, but the bullet was aimed at all of us,” he said. Trump repeatedly mentioned that Kirk was killed for his beliefs and that his movement would continue to grow. The assassin failed in his quest because Charlie’s message has not been silenced. It is now bigger and better and stronger than ever before,” he added.

During his speech, President Donald Trump openly diverged from Charlie Kirk on one key point, his feelings toward political rivals. “He was a missionary with a noble spirit and a great, great purpose. He did not hate his opponents. He wanted the best for them,” Trump said, pausing before straying from his prepared remarks.

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“That’s where I disagreed with Charlie. I hate my opponent. And I don’t want the best for them,” he added. Trump offered a forceful smile and a shrugging apology to Kirk’s widow, Erika and said, “Erika, you can talk to me and the whole group, but maybe they can convince me that that’s not right. I just can’t stand my opponent,” he said.

Trump reveals why Kirk was assasinated

Trump said Kirk was targeted “for speaking the truth that was in his heart.” He continued, “He was violently killed because he spoke for freedom and justice, for God, country, for reason, and for common sense,” Trump added, emphasising the principles his late friend stood for.

Later in his address, Trump spoke about previewing an upcoming announcement from the Oval Office about autism, scheduled for Monday. “I think you’re going to find it amazing,” he told the crowd. “I think we found an answer to autism.”

The suspect in Kirk’s killing faces charges including aggravated murder, along with six other counts. White House sources told CNN, Trump considered Kirk part of his extended family, and his death left the president and his inner circle reeling with shock and grief. In the wake of Kirk’s killing, the administration has also warned the left-wing groups and threatened actions against critical media outlets.

Trump embraced Erika Kirk at the close of the memorial in Glendale, Arizona, on Sunday. A rendition of America the Beautiful played amid long, emotional applause, with Erika sobbing on Trump’s shoulder before leaving the stage.