Donald Trump has revealed that his youngest son, Barron, has been deeply affected by the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was shot dead Wednesday during a speaking event at Utah Valley University, just moments after answering a question about mass shootings. Because Kirk’s events often drew large audiences, several attendees caught the chaos on video, which quickly spread across social media, fueling national shock, outrage, and bipartisan condemnation. The FBI launched a swift manhunt, releasing surveillance footage of the suspect climbing down from a rooftop and later recovering a rifle and ammunition hidden in nearby woods. By Friday, Trump announced live on Fox News that the suspect had been captured, describing it as a relief but acknowledging the emotional toll Kirk’s death has taken on his family.

Trump recalled that Barron had once asked to meet Kirk, leading to a lunch where his son came back praising him as “great.” The former president described Kirk’s rare ability to connect with young people from all backgrounds, calling it a gift that left a lasting impression on his son. “Barron was very hurt,” Trump said, noting that Kirk’s influence reached across generations and communities. For the Trump family, as for many others, the shooting was not just a political loss but a deeply personal one. Rest in peace, Charlie Kirk.