Jim Allister pays tribute to Charlie Kirk: “A profound loss”

Murdered: Charlie Kirk

Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) leader Jim Allister KC MP has described the murder of Charlie Kirk as a “profound loss”, paying tribute to the US conservative activist whose influence, he said, extended far beyond America.

“The tragic murder of Charlie Kirk is a profound loss. In today’s interconnected world, he and Turning Point USA are widely known and respected by conservatives far beyond the United States. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family,” Mr Allister said in a statement.

He also criticised what he sees as an inconsistent approach to how political violence is reported.

“For too long, terms like ‘right-wing extremist’ have been applied unevenly by the press. It is time for all forms of political violence to be recognised and condemned without bias. This principle should have been applied consistently after the attempted assassination of President Trump.

“We hope this tragedy prompts renewed focus on how extremism is reported and addressed by the media.”

Trump mourns “Legendary” ally

Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA and a close ally of President Donald Trump, was shot dead on Wednesday while addressing students at Utah Valley University, according to his spokesman Andrew Kolvet.

President Trump paid tribute on social media, writing:

“The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us.

“Melania and my sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!”

Who was Charlie Kirk?

Charlie Kirk rose to prominence as the founder of Turning Point USA (TPUSA), a conservative youth movement that grew rapidly across American university campuses.

Known for his outspoken defence of traditional values and his loyalty to Donald Trump, Kirk became a prominent voice for younger conservatives, building a strong media presence through books, broadcasting, and online platforms.

His death has stunned supporters in the United States and beyond, with tributes highlighting both his political influence and his role in mobilising a new generation of conservative activists.

UK perspective

Although Kirk’s work was rooted in American politics, his reach was international. Groups such as Turning Point UK echoed many of his ideas, making him a familiar figure among sections of the British conservative movement.

Mr Allister’s remarks reflect a wider concern about how extremism and political violence are portrayed in the media, and whether coverage is applied consistently regardless of ideology.