Photo credit: White House

President Donald J. Trump has signed a presidential proclamation in a somber tribute to conservative activist and youth leader Charlie Kirk, who was recently killed. The proclamation, a formal and poignant honor, remembers Kirk as "a champion of liberty and an American patriot."

In a statement filled with personal sentiment, President Trump shared his grief. "The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead," the statement reads. "No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!"

The proclamation from the President comes as a nationwide manhunt is underway. The Utah Department of Public Safety has released photos of a person of interest in connection with Kirk's murder at Utah Valley University. The public is being asked to assist in the ongoing investigation to identify the individual responsible for the tragic shooting.