President Donald Trump attended a Sept. 11 ceremony marking the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on Thursday, appearing stone-faced and holding his wife Melania’s hand in his first public outing since the announcement of Charlie Kirk’s death.
Kirk, a conservative commentator who built a large online following, was fatally shot on Wednesday during an event at Utah Valley University, authorities and news reports said. Trump announced Kirk’s death publicly after the shooting.
The president and first lady arrived for the commemorative observance amid heightened attention to the killing of the high-profile conservative figure. Trump did not offer remarks about the shooting at the event, and aides did not immediately provide further comment.
Kirk’s death, which occurred in broad daylight at a campus event, has drawn widespread attention because of his prominence in conservative media and politics. Details about the circumstances of the shooting, including any suspects or charges, were being reported by local law enforcement and media outlets as that coverage continued.
Thursday’s ceremony followed a nationwide day of remembrance for the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks. The appearance marked the president’s first time in public since the announcement about Kirk, and it came amid an ongoing national dialogue over political violence and security at public events.
Officials and law enforcement agencies are continuing investigations into the shooting in Utah. As of Thursday afternoon, no immediate updates were available from the White House about additional presidential statements or travel related to the incident.
The situation remains fluid, and further information was expected as authorities and news organizations released additional findings and local officials provided formal briefings.