Tasmanian politicians have voiced strong condemnation of the fatal shooting of American conservative influencer Charlie Kirk, with MPs calling for an end to political violence.
Liberal minister Eric Abetz paid tribute to Kirk in state parliament on Thursday, describing the 31-year-old’s death as a “political assassination”.
“Charlie was murdered – a political assassination, according to American authorities – by an as yet uncalled shooter while doing what he did best, courageously standing up for faith, family and country,” Abetz said.
Kirk, founder of youth group Turning Point USA, was shot dead during a speaking event at Utah Valley University. He leaves behind a wife and two young children.
Labor MP Brian Mitchell, while stressing his political differences with Kirk, praised his commitment to debate.
“You wouldn’t find anybody perhaps more diametrically opposed to many of the things that Charlie Kirk espoused than myself,” Mitchell said.
“But one thing that Kirk was famous for was he used words to express his views and he did it respectfully. He went out to campuses and he used ideas to make his arguments.”
He said there is “no place at all for political violence of any kind”. “I condemn it, absolutely, without reservation and I’m sure my colleagues do too,” he said.
Deputy Premier Guy Barnett called Kirk a “mentor and a visionary” for many worldwide.
“Freedom of speech, freedom of association, freedom to stand up and express those views – whatever they are – should be allowed and supported and I think it’s a bit of a wake-up call, certainly in the US and for us here in Australia as well,” he told parliament.
“I just wanted to likewise condemn that political violence … and re-emphasise our efforts … here in Australia to work towards a society that’s inclusive and caring and supportive of everyone who has a different viewpoint.”
US President Donald Trump described the shooting as a “dark moment for America”.
“I am filled with grief and anger at the heinous assassination of Charlie Kirk on a college campus in Utah,” Trump said, calling Kirk “a martyr for truth and freedom”.
“Charlie inspired millions and tonight all who knew him and loved him are united in shock and horror.”
Kirk was well known for setting up debate tables on campuses, challenging students to argue against conservative positions.
“His often repeated byline was: when talking stops, violence starts,” Abetz said. “Sadly, despite his best efforts, violence has cut short his life today and his talking.”
