The sudden and violent death of the American activist Charlie Kirk, who rallied a youth movement and held celebrity status among his fans, has sparked fierce debate over his political legacy.
The 31-year-old's young supporters appreciated his conservative Christian values and frank opinions. Speaking to the BBC, many were in tears as they remembered a man who listened to them and understood their concerns.
His views were polarising on the college campuses where he held large events, and his provocative speeches would draw crowds of vocal opponents as well as fans.
Kirk was a strong supporter of gun rights, vehemently opposed abortion, was critical of transgender rights and promoted false claims about Covid-19. He wasn't shy when it came to expressing his views - and his detractors also didn't hold back.
Encouraging and taking part in fierce, open debates was central to both his professional success and his personal worldview. 'When people stop talking, that's when you get violence,' Kirk said in a video that has been widely shared since his death.
Now, both supporters and opponents have been left shaken after he was killed by a single shot on stage while debating at a university in Utah.
'I am sad, distraught,' stated left-wing influencer Dean Withers, 21. In an emotional video posted to his followers, Withers condemned gun violence as vile and abhorrent.
Many of the tributes referencing gun violence openly pushed back on disturbing comments online implying Kirk deserved to be shot due to his position on gun rights.
As people paid tribute to Kirk and shared condolences to his wife and children, many stressed that political violence is never justifiable. 'It should come as no shock that I think Charlie Kirk was a bad person - but does that mean I think he deserves to lose his life? No,' Withers emphasized.
Beyond the immediate shock and the tributes, discussions around Kirk's legacy surged. He was known for galvanizing young conservatives and promoting traditional family values.
'He was one of the main people who really helped me to be bold about my Christian faith,' influencer Savanna Stone reflected.
Kirk's polarizing stances on LGBTQ+ rights were evident, as activists highlighted the harm caused by his rhetoric.
Former supporters like Julia Pierce noted his role in making conservatism appealing to the youth, although the impact of his controversial opinions remains divisive.
Those reflecting on Kirk's life and work agree on one point: his death signals a potentially dangerous turning point for freedom of speech. Tilly Middlehurst, a student at the University of Cambridge, reacted, 'Political violence like this affects all of us.'
