WASHINGTON (TNND) — President Trump is posthumously awarding Charlie Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Tuesday, marking the political activist's 32nd birthday.

The Medal of Freedom will be presented to Erika Kirk, Charlie's widow, in a ceremony in the White House East Room.

The event is set to start at 4 p.m.

Trump first said he planned to grant Kirk the honor soon after Kirk was assassinated on September 10. While Trump was speaking at a 9/11 remembrance event at the Pentagon, he praised Kirk for being "a champion of liberty."

"Charlie was a giant of his generation, a champion of liberty and an inspiration to millions and millions of people," Trump previously said. "Our prayers are with his wonderful wife, Erika, and his beautiful children. Fantastic people. They are. We miss him greatly."

Aside from the Congressional Medal of Honor, which is reserved for military personnel, Trump said the Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest honor a person can be awarded.

Kirk was shot and killed while he was speaking at an event at Utah Valley University. The political activist, who founded the nonprofit organization Turning Point USA, was 31 years old.

Utah prosecutors charged 22-year-old Tyler Robinson with aggravated murder in connection with Kirk's assassination. They said they intend to seek the death penalty.

Editor's Note: The National News Desk's Jessica Botelho contributed to this story.