During the solemn commemoration, Hegseth drew parallels between the 9/11 victims and slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk, vowing his legacy “will never be forgotten.”
Washington, DC, September 11 — The Pentagon’s annual 9/11 remembrance carried a deeper emotional weight this year as U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth paid tribute not only to the nearly 3,000 lives lost on September 11, 2001, but also to slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Speaking in the Pentagon courtyard alongside President Donald Trump, Hegseth reflected on America’s resilience since the attacks and praised the spirit of young Americans who continue to step forward in service.
“On this day 24 years ago, we suffered. In the years since, we have endured. Our service and sacrifice have forged our character, and today, we stand in hope for the future of our great nation,” Hegseth told the gathering.
With visible emotion, he linked Kirk’s life and death to the enduring memory of the 9/11 victims. “The young soldiers who take the oath give me hope. The young cops who wear the badge give me hope. The young firefighters who answer the call give me hope. The young agents who patrol our border give me hope. The life, example, and even death of Christ-follower and American patriot, Charlie Kirk, give me hope. Like those on 9/11, you will never be forgotten.”
Kirk, a prominent conservative commentator and founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot on Wednesday during a speech at Utah Valley University. He was 20 minutes into his presentation under a tent emblazoned with the slogan “The American Comeback” when a gunman opened fire from a nearby building. Video footage showed panicked students fleeing as Kirk collapsed with a neck wound.
University officials confirmed Kirk was the only victim, and law enforcement swiftly detained a suspect. The FBI’s Utah office and Director Kash Patel announced federal agents were on-site, pledging full support to the investigation.
The attack has sparked outrage across political lines. Utah Governor Spencer Cox said he was in constant touch with law enforcement, vowing, “Those responsible will be held fully accountable. Violence has no place in our public life.” Senator Lindsey Graham called the shooting a “sick and despicable attack,” while colleagues Ted Cruz and Katie Britt extended prayers for Kirk’s family.
Charlie Kirk, who often described himself as a staunch believer in faith and free speech, is being remembered by allies and supporters as someone who energized young conservatives across the country. For many, his death marks not only a personal tragedy but also a painful reminder of the growing dangers of political violence in America.
As the nation reflected on the sacrifices of September 11, Secretary Hegseth’s words resonated with the crowd, elevating Kirk’s memory alongside those who gave their lives on that dark day.