The killing of Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative activist and ally of United States President Donald Trump, has sparked a wave of international condemnation, with world leaders warning about the dangers of politically-motivated violence.
Kirk, 31, was fatally shot while delivering a speech at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. The incident, which authorities are treating as a “political assassination,” has intensified concerns about the growing threat of violence in America’s polarized political climate.
President Trump reacted swiftly, describing the assassination as “a dark moment for America.” In a video statement shared on his Truth Social platform, Trump hailed Kirk as a “martyr for truth,” while vowing to bring the perpetrators and their supporters to justice.
“This is a dark moment for America. My administration will find each and every one of those who contributed to this atrocity, and to other political violence, including the organizations that fund it and support it,” Trump declared.
Leaders from across the globe have echoed similar sentiments. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney denounced the killing, saying, “I am appalled by the murder of Charlie Kirk. There is no justification for political violence and every act of it threatens democracy.”
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stressed the importance of free debate without fear of violence, writing on X: “We must all be free to debate openly and freely without fear — there can be no justification for political violence.”
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called the incident “an atrocious murder, a deep wound for democracy and for those who believe in freedom,” offering condolences to Kirk’s family and the conservative movement in America.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described Kirk as “a lion-hearted friend of Israel,” adding: “Charlie Kirk was murdered for speaking truth and defending freedom. I spoke to him only two weeks ago and invited him to Israel. Sadly, that visit will not take place.”
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban blamed the progressive left for fueling hatred globally, linking Kirk’s death to previous attacks on European leaders. “Charlie Kirk’s death is the result of the international hate campaign waged by the progressive-liberal left. We must stop the hatred! We must stop the hate-mongering left!” Orban said.
okay.ng reports that vigils have already begun across the United States, with candles and photographs placed in honor of Kirk at Orem City Center Park in Utah.
