On September 10, 2025 at 12:23 MDT, Republican-aligned political activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed by a bullet delivered to the neck. The suspect, Charlie Robinson, is in custody. Kirk was at the Utah Valley University as part of his American Comeback Tour, where he planned to engage in political debate across various college campuses.
Kirk was a controversial figure, who was often accused by his opponents on the left of spreading hate and polarization. However, his murder has received international condemnation and raised questions about the prospect of escalating political violence in the United States and other parts of the Western World such as Canada.
On September 11th, Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre expressed condolences to Kirk’s family, and stated that universities should be places of debate, where different opinions should be offered in a place of peace and security. In a subsequent CBC interview, Pierre stated that he fears for his own safety in the wake of Kirk’s death.
Prime Minister Mark Carney, among other politicians such as Bloc Québécois leader Yves-François Blanchet and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, expressed similar condolences while condemning political violence.
On September 15, at the opening sitting of Parliament for the fall session, Conservative MP Rachael Thomas from Lethbridge discussed the importance of freedom of speech and gave condolences to Kirk’s family. The speech received a standing ovation from the MPs at the House of Commons.