The family of a British man, gunned down in a shocking daylight assassination in the United States, has broken its silence to pay a moving tribute to a 'wonderful family man and a true champion of free speech'.
Matthew Perna, 38, was shot dead outside a property in Sharon, Pennsylvania, in what his heartbroken relatives have described as a 'dark and dangerous' politically motivated attack. The devastating incident has sent ripples of grief and outrage across the Atlantic.
'He was our world,' a family statement began, painting a picture of a beloved uncle, brother, and son whose life was brutally cut short. The tribute vehemently condemned the senseless violence, stating the family is 'utterly shattered' by their loss.
The attack is understood to be directly linked to Mr. Perna's outspoken political views and his activism surrounding free speech and democratic values. His family emphasised that he was a peaceful man who believed passionately in open dialogue and the fundamental right to express one's opinions without fear.
'This is a dark and dangerous moment,' the statement continued, highlighting the terrifying escalation from ideological disagreement to lethal violence. The assassination raises grave concerns about the increasingly volatile political climate and the threats faced by those who engage in public discourse.
Authorities in Pennsylvania are conducting a thorough investigation into the shooting. The family has appealed for privacy as they grapple with the immense tragedy while simultaneously seeking justice for Matthew.
The death of this British national on foreign soil serves as a grim reminder of the perils that can accompany political engagement in today's polarised world, leaving a family in mourning and a community in search of answers.
