Charlie Kirk: Australian politicians condemn political violence after US activist’s assassination

Australian politicians have condemned political violence after the assassination of a conservative US commentator who was a key ally of President Donald Trump.

Conservative activist Charlie Kirk was killed while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, south of Salt Lake City, on Wednesday, US time.

Leaders across the political spectrum in Australia sent their thoughts to Mr Kirk’s family and said there should be no place for violence in democratic debate.

Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles labelled the killing an absolute tragedy.

“I was just looking at that footage there, which I hadn’t seen before, and it’s obviously very frightening,” he told Seven’s Sunrise.

“There is no place for political violence. This is not how discussion or debate should occur within society and we absolutely condemn it.”

Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said she stood in solidarity “with those who mourn” after “what appears to be a political assassination”.

Her frontbench colleague James Paterson said a recent uptick in political violence across democracies was worrying.

“It is not a good thing for the United States, it is not a good thing for a country like Australia, for whom the United States is such an important ally,” he said.

“So, of course, it’s a reminder for all of us in public life to be measured and calm in how we conduct ourselves.”

Former prime minister Tony Abbott also mourned Mr Kirk and offered his prayers to the activist’s wife and children.

“ He championed the pursuit of open debate and intellectual freedom in places of education, and did so with great courage,” Mr Abbott said on social media.