The killing of Charlie Kirk casts a dark shadow over political debate

KG

Keely Goodall

11 September 2025 | 11:48

Right wing activist and influencer Charlie Kirk was shot and killed at an event on Wednesday.

The killing of Charlie Kirk casts a dark shadow over political debate

US right-wing activist Charlie Kirk (R) speaks on stage with President Donald Trump at America Fest 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona, on 22 December 2024. Picture: AFP

Controversial right wing figure Charlie Kirk was assassinated by an unknown gunman at Utah Valley University campus in Orem, Utah on Wednesday.

It appears the gunman fired from a sniper’s nest on a rooftop on the campus, while Kirk was speaking at an event attended by roughly 3,000 people.

“It was in broad daylight.”
– Barbara Friedman, Digital Content Editor

Two men were arrested after the shooting but were both released.

Kirk, aged 31, was a popular figure among conservative Americans and was a staunch advocate for the Second Amendment right, which is the right to bear arms.

Kirk's assassination marks the rise in political violence gripping the United States.

“It does not matter what your politics are. There is no room for this kind of act, for this kind of violence, ending someone’s life over views.”
– Barbara Friedman, Digital Content Editor 
“It is very frightening that this is what we are dealing with in the United States at the moment.”
– Barbara Friedman, Digital Content Editor 

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