A fierce national debate over 'two-tier policing' has been ignited after a prominent left-wing TikTok influencer faced no criminal action for posting a video that called for the murder of conservative American commentator Charlie Kirk.
The controversial video, which has since been deleted, explicitly stated: 'Someone needs to kill Charlie Kirk... I'm not inciting violence, I'm just saying someone needs to kill him.' The content sparked immediate outrage and was reported to the Metropolitan Police by the UK's leading free speech advocacy organisation.
Met Police's Controversial Decision
Despite the explicit nature of the threat, the Metropolitan Police concluded their investigation without making an arrest or pursuing charges. In a statement that has drawn widespread criticism, authorities declared the video did not meet the threshold for criminal prosecution under UK law.
This decision stands in stark contrast to numerous cases where individuals have been arrested and charged for making similar statements about other public figures, particularly those on the political left.
Free Speech Group Condemns 'Institutional Bias'
The Free Speech Union, which brought the video to police attention, has condemned the decision as evidence of institutional bias within police forces. Toby Young, the organisation's general secretary, stated: 'This is a clear example of two-tier policing. Had someone with right-wing views made a similar video about a left-wing activist, they would have been arrested within hours.'
The union has called for a formal review of the decision and greater consistency in how police handle threats against public figures regardless of their political affiliations.
Growing Political Backlash
The incident has drawn condemnation from across the political spectrum, with MPs and commentators expressing concern about the apparent double standard in policing. Critics argue that the failure to act undermines public confidence in police impartiality and creates a dangerous precedent where political violence is tolerated depending on the target.
Home Office officials are reportedly monitoring the situation closely as pressure mounts for a formal explanation of the policing decision.
Social Media Platforms Under Scrutiny
The case has also raised questions about content moderation policies on social media platforms. TikTok removed the video only after significant public pressure, leading to concerns about inconsistent enforcement of terms of service regarding violent content.
Digital rights advocates are calling for greater transparency in how platforms handle threats and coordinate with law enforcement agencies across political lines.
As the controversy continues to develop, many are questioning whether all citizens are truly equal before the law when it comes to freedom of expression and protection from threats of violence.
