Tennessee U.S. Representative Andy Ogles (R-TN-05) introduced a bill to award a Congressional Gold Medal posthumously to co-founder of Turning Point USA Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated Wednesday.
Kirk died after being shot at his American Comeback Tour event held at Utah Valley University.
Ogles’ bill, titled the “Charlie Kirk Congressional Gold Medal Act,” would see Kirk awarded posthumously with the highest civilian award bestowed by the U.S. Congress in recognition of his “unwavering dedication to the American Spirit, even to the point of death at the hand of a terrorist.”
I am introducing legislation to award Charlie Kirk the posthumous Congressional Gold Medal for his unwavering dedication to the American spirit, even unto death at the hands of a political enemy.
Charlie elevated our national discourse, inspired our students, and proclaimed… pic.twitter.com/wgkj6wRIdI
— Rep. Andy Ogles (@RepOgles) September 11, 2025
“Charlie elevated our national discourse, inspired our students, and proclaimed Christ crucified with vigor and conviction. He was not only a hero of the Christian faith but also the embodiment of what our Founders envisioned when they enshrined the First Amendment,” Ogles said in a statement posted to X.
“Today, we honor Charlie Kirk by doing what he would have wanted—standing firm, never backing down in the face of threats from the murderous left,” the Tennessee congressman added.
In Ogles’ bill, Kirk is described as a “devout follower of the Lord Jesus Christ” who “courageously proclaimed the truth of the Gospel, fighting the good fight and keeping the faith until death.”
Kirk is also described as a “dedicated husband” and “loving husband” in the bill, which goes on to detail Kirk’s success with his radio and podcast show, The Charlie Kirk Show, and growing Turning Point USA into the largest conservative youth organization in the U.S.
“Charlie Kirk was the personification of the First Amendment, never compromising the truth while also treating those with whom he disagreed with dignity and respect,” the bill reads.
"I am pleased to announce that I will soon be awarding Charlie Kirk, posthumously, the Presidential Medal of Freedom." – President Donald J. Trump pic.twitter.com/RGdyImmNJZ
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) September 11, 2025
On Thursday, President Donald Trump said he will award Kirk the nation’s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, posthumously.
“Charlie was a giant of his generation, a champion of liberty and an inspiration to millions and millions of people,” Trump said while speaking at the Pentagon during a 9/11 remembrance ceremony.
The president has also directed all flags be flown at half-staff until sunset on Sunday, September 14 as a mark of respect for the memory of Kirk.
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Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Follow Kaitlin on X / Twitter.
Photo “Rep. Andy Ogles” by Rep. Andy Ogles.
