Drama unfolded at a recent Torfaen Borough Council meeting when Reform UK leader David Thomas walked out in what he described as “absolute disbelief.” Thomas was stunned by the council’s failure to acknowledge the tragic death of US political influencer, Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot during a university event in Utah. Known for his provocative conservative views, Kirk’s death has stirred discussions on political violence and compassion.
Thomas took to social media to express his frustration, calling the council’s silence “shameful.” He criticised the council for not even pausing to acknowledge the event, especially for a council that claims to champion community, compassion, and respect. According to Thomas, the silence speaks volumes and is a disservice to both Kirk’s memory and his grieving family.
In a pointed remark, Thomas compared the incident to the 2020 global reaction to George Floyd’s death, where the Senedd held a minute’s silence. He said, “If the Senedd can recognise something so horrific, why can’t we?” For Thomas, this isn’t about politics but about showing human compassion during a tragic time.
On the other side, Council leader Anthony Hunt expressed condolences to Kirk’s family but questioned the appropriateness of raising the issue in a local council context. He mentioned that the council also hadn’t marked the deaths of other international figures without a direct link to Torfaen.
It seems both sides agree on one thing: the need for compassion. Yet, they differ on how it should be expressed within the council’s responsibilities. One thing’s for sure, this incident is sparking big conversations about how local politics intersects with global events and human empathy. What are your thoughts? Should local councils acknowledge international tragedies, or keep focused on local issues? Let us know in the comments!