President Donald Trump addressed the nation in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s death, the conservative activist who was tragically shot Wednesday during an appearance at Utah Valley University.

The president spoke with sincerity and compassion, calling the perpetrator a “monster” and declaring it a “dark moment for America.”

Trump’s remarks in the four-minute statement focused on Kirk’s legacy as a patriot and leader, while also condemning the culture of political demonization that fuels violence.

He described Kirk as a “wonderful American” who embodied the values of faith, liberty, and courage, and vowed that his administration would pursue accountability for those responsible. 

Charlie Kirk stands for a portrait at an anti-Kavanaugh Supreme Court confirmation protest on the U.S. Capitol Grounds, during which Kirk was filming for a project he declined to disclose, in Washington, D.C., on September 4, 2018.  (Graeme Sloan/Sipa USA)

Trump also issued a strong warning about the dangers of political rhetoric that fuels violence:

“It’s long past time for all Americans and the media to confront the fact that violence and murder are the tragic consequence of demonizing those with whom you disagree day after day, year after year, in the most hateful and despicable way possible.”

Trump added that for years, those on the radical left have compared “wonderful Americans like Charlie to Nazis and the world’s worst mass murderers and criminals.”

In closing, Trump vowed that Kirk’s mission would endure. 

“An assassin tried to silence him with a bullet, but he failed, because together, we will ensure that his voice, his message and his legacy will live on for countless generations to come.

“Today, because of this heinous act, Charlie’s voice has become bigger and grander than ever before — and it’s not even close.” the president said.