President Donald Trump recalled the devastating moment he was informed of the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

“They said, ‘Charlie Kirk is dead.’ I didn’t know what they meant. I said, ‘What do you mean, dead?’ ‘Charlie Kirk was shot…’” Trump recounted. He added that in the immediate aftermath of hearing the news, he told those around him, “Get out. Just go.”

The former president’s remarks capture the shock and disbelief that many of Kirk’s allies and supporters experienced upon learning of his death. Trump and Kirk shared a close relationship, with Trump often praising the Turning Point USA founder for his ability to inspire and mobilize young conservatives.

The emotional retelling highlights the profound impact of Kirk’s murder, both personally for Trump and politically within the conservative movement, where Kirk’s absence is already being deeply felt.