When the news of Charlie Kirk's death reached the White House on September 9, aides of President Donald Trump were left devastated and dumbstruck, said a report.
One of the officials at White House told Daily Mail: "Everything else ceased." He revealed that Trump, Vice President JD Vance and some top officials knew about Kirk's death from the Situation Room before it was announced to the public.
In loving memory of Charlie Kirk, a fearless patriot & man of unwavering faith who dedicated his life to America.
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) September 12, 2025
"It's bigger than you, I want you to remember that... It's bigger than me - you are here to make somebody else's life better, the pursuit of liberty & freedom."❤️ pic.twitter.com/3Xrf5dcFlP
A second official recalled that everyone gathered around a single TV with phones down and mourning. "At first, it was a shock. A few minutes later, the TVs all started their coverage and the horrific video started trending. In that moment everything went still," the official told the outlet.
Some of the staffers started praying, pleading to God to spare the life of Kirk, said the official, adding that some were sobbing while others were angry. He was rushed to hospital soon after the shooting but succumbed to his wounds after undergoing surgery.
A third official recounted that when they were told that "Charlie Kirk has been shot", they just kind of repeated the question back in shock and disbelief.
In the evening on the fateful day, Trump addressed the nation from the Oval Office, saying, "To my great fellow Americans, I am filled with grief and anger."
A female official said it was Charlie Kirk who inspired her to join politics. "It's just truly devastating to lose someone who was such an influence for everyone in the White House," she told Daily Mail.
Talking to the outlet, Jenny Korn, the White House Faith Director, said her office organised a private vigil, prayer service and memorial on September 12 to pay tribute to Kirk. It was attended by hundreds of officials of the Trump administration as well as pastors and rabbis.
"It was important for us to set an example of this is how we honour Charlie. This is how a government reacts. We come together when we pray and we work and we honour his memory," Korn said.
Tyler Robinson, the alleged killer of Charlie Kirk, was on Tuesday charged with aggravated murder and six other charges, that could get him death penalty, as per Utah law. Read more about the charges HERE.
