Teal MP Zali Steggall ‘unlikes’ Charlie Kirk social media post sanctioning use of violence

Teal MP Zali Steggall says she has chosen to “unlike” a post that proclaimed “violence is sometimes necessary” in reference to the killing of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk.

The Federal MP for Warringah and former Olympian on Sunday attempted to distance herself from the post by Cheek Media boss Hannah Ferguson.

“Am I happy that someone has been shot in the neck in broad daylight? No,” the post read.

”Is violence sometimes necessary? Yes.”

The post also claimed there was an ”irony” in the death of Mr Kirk, a co-founder of the conservative student group Turning Point USA and a staunch Trump ally.

He was killed on September 10 by a single rifle shot fired from a rooftop during an outdoor event attended by 3000 people at Utah Valley University in Orem.

Utah trade school student Tyler Robinson, 22, was arrested on Thursday night and has been jailed on suspicion of fatally shooting Mr Kirk.

In a statement released on Sunday, Ms Steggall said she did not condone the ”horrific political violence that has occurred in the US and resulted in the death of Charlie Kirk”.

Ms Steggall said she originally liked the post because she believed it was “important to understand and discuss the dangerous polarisation occurring online due to the algorithms of click bait media”.

“However, I do not agree with or endorse everything Hannah has written. Whilst liking does not equal endorsement, for the avoidance of doubt, I have chosen to unlike the post.”

Ms Steggall also blamed conservative political lobby group Advance Australia for highlighting her decision to like the post.

“Advance Australia has sought to selectively reflect the post in their ad to stoke outrage and division,” said in the statement.

“Political violence is never the answer.”