Unionist MLAs pay tribute to murdered US conservative Charlie Kirk in Northern Ireland Assembly

Charlie Kirk pictured with wife Erika and their two young children. (Image: Erika Kirk)

Tributes to murdered US conservative activist Charlie Kirk were paid in the Northern Ireland Assembly today, with TUV MLA Timothy Gaston describing his death as a reminder of the need to defend free expression and oppose political violence.

Speaking after his matter of the day was accepted by the Speaker, Mr Gaston said:

“I rise today to pay tribute to Charlie Kirk. At just 31 years of age, Charlie was a devoted husband to Erica and a loving father to two beautiful children. His loss is deeply felt, not only by his family, but by all who value conviction, courage, and the right to speak freely.”

Kirk, who founded Turning Point USA and was a close ally of former President Donald Trump, was fatally shot while addressing students at Utah Valley University last week. His death has sparked global reaction, with messages of condolence extending across political and religious lines.

Gaston: “Freedom of expression must be defended”

In his speech, Mr Gaston stressed that Kirk’s life and message should prompt reflection within the Assembly. “Charlie Kirk stood firmly for Christian and conservative principles, advocating for family, faith, and liberty,” he said.

He noted that Kirk often engaged his critics through Biblical teaching: “‘Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD.’ Through social media, his work reached a global audience and many homes in Northern Ireland including my own.”

Mr Gaston drew comparisons with Northern Ireland’s troubled past, recalling victims of politically motivated murders such as Sir Norman Stronge, Senator Jack Barnhill, and Senator Paddy Wilson.

“Regardless of ideology, such acts are—and have always been—wrong. There is and there always was an alternative,” he told MLAs.

Closing his remarks, he urged colleagues to reflect on Kirk’s Christian faith and the importance of reconciliation: “Charlie Kirk leaves a powerful testimony behind that we must be ready.”

DUP’s Paul Frew: “Charlie Kirk was a champion”

North Antrim DUP MLA Paul Frew also spoke during the debate, describing Kirk as both a family man and a leading voice for conservative values.

“Charlie Kirk was a champion. He was a tremendous speaker and a talented debater. First and foremost, however, he was a family man: a father of two young children. He was brutally assassinated because he was effective and because he spoke the truth,” Mr Frew said.

He continued:

“Charlie Kirk was a champion to so many people throughout the world. There are many people who had never heard of him but aspired to the same values. Those people now know Charlie Kirk. They know what he stood for and what his family stands for. They know what his organisation stands for.

“A fire and a passion have been ignited that will grip this world. It will grip America and the UK. Charlie Kirk’s legacy will be stronger in death than it was in life.”

Mr Frew described conversations over the weekend in his Christian hillwalking club, where both young and old members expressed sadness at Kirk’s death but also determination to follow his example.

“That strength will go right across this land, and those young, Christian, conservative people will no longer be scared to speak up. They will be like Charlie Kirk, and that will be his lasting legacy.”

Background: Charlie Kirk’s influence

Charlie Kirk founded Turning Point USA in 2012, building it into one of the most recognisable conservative youth organisations in America. Known for his strong advocacy of free speech, family values, and Christian principles, he developed a high-profile media presence and close ties to Donald Trump.

Kirk’s work extended internationally, inspiring groups such as Turning Point UK and engaging audiences across Northern Ireland and Britain. His murder has intensified debate on political violence and freedom of expression, with his supporters arguing that his legacy will galvanise future generations.