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Killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk sparks wave of reactions across political spectrum

The Turning Point USA founder was shot at a public event, sparking tributes, criticism and conspiracies
A view of a wreath laid by mourners outside the US embassy in Pretoria following the fatal shooting of US youth activist and influencer Charlie Kirk, on 11 September 2025 (Phill Magakoe/AFP)
By MEE staff
Published date: 11 September 2025 22:02 BST | Last update: 2 months 4 weeks ago

Conservative activist and commentator Charlie Kirk, founder of the pro-Trump student organisation Turning Point USA, was shot dead on Wednesday during a public event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.

Police confirmed the 31-year-old media figure was pronounced dead at the scene after sustaining fatal injuries. Details about the suspect and motive are still emerging, and an investigation is underway. Authorities have not yet released further information.

Kirk, 31, was fielding questions about gun violence at the event.

Kirk was one of the most recognisable young figures on the American right. He built a major following among conservative students through Turning Point USA, launched a podcast and radio show, and became a fixture at Republican rallies and conferences. 

Following his death, Trump said in an address from the White House, “For years, those on the radical left have compared wonderful Americans like Charlie to Nazis and the world's worst mass murderers and criminals,” blaming the “radical left” for his death. 

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Controversial views on gun ownership

Among his most polarising positions were his comments on gun rights in the United States. Kirk often argued that the Second Amendment was absolute and non-negotiable, once stating that gun ownership should be “as common as car ownership”.

He opposed most forms of gun regulation and argued that arming more citizens was the best deterrent to mass shootings.

"It's worth it to have a cost of, unfortunately, some gun deaths every single year, so that we can have the Second Amendment to protect our other God-given rights," he said during an appearance at the Salt Lake City campus of Awaken Church on 5 April 2023.

After news of Kirk's death spread online, critics accused him of trivialising mass shootings, while his supporters praised him for being uncompromising in his defence of gun rights.

Kirk’s comments often reignited national debates on whether free speech protections allowed figures with large platforms to promote views that could deepen divisions on sensitive issues.

Reactions across the spectrum

Kirk’s killing prompted an outpouring of responses across ideological lines, with politicians, commentators, activists, and ordinary users weighing in. Many condemned the act of violence outright, while others reflected on his controversial legacy.

Some said Kirk’s death underscored the dangers of political polarisation and the rise of political violence in the United States. Some young people on social media said they were “happy” because of his “disgusting beliefs”.

Others argued that his rhetoric - especially on culture war issues - had already contributed to the current political climate, making the discussion of his legacy deeply contested. One social media user compiled his controversial ideas about Black people and his seemingly racist comments. 

Conspiracy theories spread online

Alongside condolences and tributes, Kirk’s killing has also sparked a wave of conspiracy theories online. Some began speculating about possible political motives, while others attempted to link the attack to international issues such as Russia’s war in Ukraine. 

Other conspiracy theories centred around Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “coordinating their messaging and posts to match during the Charlie Kirk assassination”.

Some online went so far as to claim that "Mossad/CIA killed Charlie Kirk because he was starting to privately question the state of Israel's actions", based on his Israel-related X polls the past few months, showing a strong anti-Israel stance from his followers".

No evidence has been presented to support these theories. Authorities have not suggested any international connection, stressing that the investigation is still in its early stages.

Still, the speed at which such claims spread reflected the highly polarised environment around Kirk’s career. 

For years, he was a lightning rod in online culture wars - and his sudden death has only amplified the swirl of speculation, from mainstream political commentary to fringe narratives.

Whether praised as a fearless conservative voice or criticised as a provocateur, Kirk had an outsized influence on American political discourse. His sudden death leaves behind a legacy that will seemingly continue to polarise debate over free speech, gun rights, and the role of media personalities in US politics.

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