E-Paper
‘Legendary, lion-hearted friend of Israel’: Tributes pour in for Charlie Kirk
Charlie Kirk was speaking at an outdoor event at Utah Valley University when he was shot.
Charlie Kirk, a Conservative US leader and a close ally of President Donald Trump, died after being shot during an event in Utah.
Kirk, executive director of the conservative Turning Point USA advocacy group, was speaking at an outdoor event at Utah Valley University when he was shot.
Videos shared on social media showed that Kirk was being asked questions about mass shootings in America when he was shot in the neck. The video showed Kirk moving his hand toward his neck as he fell off his chair.
US President Donald Trump announced Kirk's death in a post on social media, saying that no one understood or had the heart of the youth in the country better than Charlie.
“The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us,” Trump posted on Truth Social.
“Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!” he added.
Tributes also poured in for Kirk from other American politicians and global leaders.
Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that Kirk was murdered for speaking the truth and defending freedom.
“A lion-hearted friend of Israel, he fought the lies and stood tall for Judeo-Christian civilization. I spoke to him only two weeks ago and invited him to Israel. Sadly, that visit will not take place,” he wrote on X.
“We lost an incredible human being. His boundless pride in America and his valiant belief in free speech will leave a lasting impact. Rest in peace, Charlie Kirk,” he added.
Former US President Joe Biden also reacted to Kirk's killing, saying that there is no place in the country for violence.
“There is no place in our country for this kind of violence. It must end now. Jill and I are praying for Charlie Kirk’s family and loved ones,” he wrote on X.
Former US President Barack Obama also extended condolences to Charlie's family.
“We don’t yet know what motivated the person who shot and killed Charlie Kirk, but this kind of despicable violence has no place in our democracy,” he said.
“Michelle and I will be praying for Charlie’s family tonight, especially his wife Erika and their two young children,” he added.
