Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the murder of a United States (U.S.) conservative activist, Charlie Kirk, calling it “a murder of truth and freedom.”
Kirk was killed during a speech at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. He was known as the founder of the organization Turning Point USA and a close ally of former President Donald Trump.
Netanyahu wrote on the social network X:
“Charlie Kirk was killed because he spoke the truth and defended freedom. As a friend of Israel with a lion’s heart, he fought against lies and proudly stood for Judeo-Christian civilization.”
He stated that he had spoken with Kirk two weeks earlier and invited him to Israel.
“Unfortunately, that visit will not happen. We lost an incredible man. His inexhaustible pride in the U.S. and his courageous belief in freedom of speech will leave a lasting mark,” wrote the Israeli prime minister.
The murder provoked condemnations worldwide. U.S. President Donald Trump called the murder “a dark moment for the U.S.,” while leaders around the world, including United Kingdom (UK) Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, expressed condolences and condemned the violence.
Charlie Kirk was known as a passionate advocate of Israel and, during his career, emphasized the importance of support for Israel in political and cultural issues, and he often defended Israeli interests and security on the international stage. His devotion to Israel was one of the key elements of his public and political activity.
