Trump condemns ‘radical left rhetoric’ following Charlie Kirk assassination

President Donald Trump delivered a forceful rebuke of what he called "radical left" rhetoric in a video statement from the Oval Office Thursday, directly linking such language to the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

In the lengthy address released on White House social media channels, Trump spoke solemnly from behind his desk about the killing that has sent shockwaves through political circles.

• Related: Charlie Kirk's death is another wake-up call on political violence. Will we heed it?

"For years those on the radical left have compared wonderful Americans like Charlie to Nazis and the world's worst mass murders and criminals," Trump said. "This kind of rhetoric is directly responsible for the terrorism that we're seeing in our country today and it must stop right now."

The president pledged to find everyone who "contributed to this atrocity" and other political violence, including organizations he claimed fund and support such actions.

Trump described Kirk, who was a political supporter and ally, as a "martyr for truth and freedom" and praised his connection with younger Americans, saying "there has never been anyone who was so respected by youth."

During his address, the president referenced a pattern of political violence, citing the assassination attempt against himself in Pennsylvania last year, attacks on Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents during his immigration crackdown, and the near-fatal shooting of House Majority Leader Steve Scalise during Trump's first term.

The president's statement notably omitted mention of political attacks against Democrats, including a Minnesota state lawmaker who was killed at her home in June.

The FBI is reportedly conducting an intensive investigation into Kirk's killing , with Fox News describing the effort as " all hands on deck " according to related video content visible on the platform.

More on Charlie Kirk assassination

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• Charlie Kirk's wife shared one final video of her husband days before he died

• Suspect identified in Charlie Kirk assassination, 'high-powered' rifle found

• Mass. politicians condemn violence in wake of assassination of Charlie Kirk

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