A vigil will be held by the UK branch of a conservative group honouring Charlie Kirk, a key figure in Turning Point USA, who was tragically shot at a Utah event described as a “political assassination.” Kirk, a close ally of Donald Trump and advocate for open dialogue, was only 31 and leaves behind a grieving wife and children. The memorial gathering is set for Friday evening by the Montgomery Statue in Whitehall. Amid a wave of shock and heartbreak, notable UK figures are voicing their sympathies and calling for unity against political violence. PM Sir Keir Starmer conveyed his condolences online, while Kim Leadbeater, deeply affected by the resonance of her sister Jo Cox’s tragic passing, emphasised the need for a “global reset” in political discourse. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch also condemned the attack, stressing that violence has no place in our societies. Boris Johnson and others praised Kirk’s commitment to free speech, reflecting on the tragedy’s implications. Let’s come together to honour the memory of a man who stood for freedom of expression.
