European far-right leaders have blamed left-wing rhetoric for the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old conservative US activist, who was killed on Wednesday while speaking at Utah Valley University. Hungary's prime minister, Viktor Orbán, claimed Kirk's death was the result of an 'international hate campaign' by the progressive-liberal left, linking it to attacks on Slovak prime minister Robert Fico and Czech former prime minister Andrej Babiš.
French far-right leader Jordan Bardella denounced the 'dehumanising rhetoric of the left and its intolerance', which he said fuelled political violence. In Germany, Alice Weidel of the Alternative für Deutschland party described Kirk as 'a fighter for freedom of speech' shot by a fanatic. Spain's Santiago Abascal accused left-wingers of justifying Kirk's murder because of his 'horrible ideas', adding: 'Some point and others shoot.'
The European parliament descended into chaos as far-right MEPs demanded a minute's silence for Kirk, which was denied on procedural grounds. Charlie Weimers of the Sweden Democrats attempted to observe the tribute during his speaking time but was cut short, prompting protests from the European Conservatives and Reformists group. Italy's far-right League called the decision 'politically shameful'.
Sarah Knafo of France's Reconquête party revealed that the Europe of Sovereign Nations group had nominated Kirk for the Sakharov prize, the EU's top human rights award. She called on all groups to honour his memory and reject violence. Former UK prime minister Boris Johnson said Kirk was killed 'not for espousing extremist views – because he didn't' but for saying things that 'used to be simple common sense'.
US police continue to search for the sniper, with no suspect identified or motive established. The shooting has sent shockwaves across the political spectrum in America, with tributes from both sides.
