Charlie Kirk assassinated during campus event in Utah
- Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist, was shot and killed during a campus event at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025.
- In response to his death, a satirical article from Columbia University mocked Kirk's views and criticized conservative politics.
- Political leaders, including Giorgia Meloni, condemned reactions that celebrated Kirk's assassination and called for accountability from those inciting political hatred.
In the United States, on September 10, 2025, Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was assassinated during a speaking event at Utah Valley University. The incident occurred as Kirk addressed a large crowd, and he was shot in the neck, leading to his rapid transport to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The event drew widespread attention and shock, particularly among those who followed Kirk's conservative views and activism. Many reactions from political figures and the public highlighted the contentious climate surrounding political discourse in America. In the aftermath of Kirk's death, a satirical article published by Columbia University's student-run paper mocked the deceased, indicating that Kirk's death was connected to his staunch advocacy for gun rights. The article suggested that Turning Point USA's policies were hypocritical and claimed that conservatives only realize the consequences of their ideologies when they are personally affected. This response drew both praise and criticism, showcasing the polarized nature of modern political discussions. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni commented on the situation, condemning those on the left who celebrated Kirk's murder or sought to justify it through criticism of his political views. Meloni called for accountability among the left in her country for inciting hatred against political opponents. She also emphasized the need to denounce the trivialization of violence, asserting that Kirk's commitment to open debate should be respected, regardless of differing viewpoints. The assassination and the surrounding reactions have sparked national conversations about political violence, the responsibility of public figures, and the implications of free speech in a divided society. Kirk's death has also reignited discussions about gun control and the effects of incendiary rhetoric from both sides of the political spectrum. Moving forward, many are calling for a more civil discourse in order to prevent further tragedies and divisions in society.