‘Threat to democracy’ – Global leaders condemn killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk
World leaders and political figures have condemned the killing of conservative activist and close Trump ally Charlie Kirk, describing it as a dangerous escalation of politically motivated violence and a direct threat to democratic values.
Kirk, 31, was shot dead on Tuesday while addressing students at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.
The outspoken founder of Turning Point USA was a prominent figure in American conservative politics and a staunch supporter of current US president Donald Trump.
Reactions poured in from across the globe, with tributes pointing to both Kirk’s influence and the dangers of rising political violence.
‘A dark moment for America’ – Trump
US President Donald Trump, speaking hours after the killing, called Kirk a “martyr for truth” and vowed swift action.
“This is a dark moment for America,” Trump said in a video posted on Truth Social. “My administration will track down everyone responsible for this atrocity, including the networks that fund and enable political violence.”
‘No justification’ – Canada
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney condemned the shooting, stressing that democratic societies cannot tolerate such acts.
“I am appalled by the murder of Charlie Kirk. There is no justification for political violence, and every act of it erodes democracy,” Carney wrote on X.
‘Free debate must be protected’ – UK
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated the need to safeguard political discourse.
“We must all be able to debate openly and freely without fear. There can be no justification for political violence,” he posted.
‘A wound for democracy’ – Italy
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the killing as “an atrocious murder” and “a deep wound for democracy and for those who cherish freedom.” She extended condolences to Kirk’s family and the American conservative movement.
‘Murdered for speaking truth’ – Israel
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Kirk “a lion-hearted friend of Israel” and said he was killed “for speaking truth and defending freedom.”
“I spoke to him only two weeks ago and invited him to Israel,” Netanyahu added. “Tragically, that visit will never take place.”
The killing of Kirk has reignited debates in Washington and beyond about the rise of extremist rhetoric, security at political events, and the future of free expression in deeply polarized societies.
