By: Isuru Parakrama
September 11, World (LNW): Charlie Kirk, the firebrand conservative activist and staunch Donald Trump supporter, was shot dead on Tuesday (10) in what authorities are treating as a targeted assassination. He was 31.
Founder of the influential pro-Trump youth organisation Turning Point USA, Kirk was known as much for his combative style as for his influence amongst American right-wing circles. Whilst the motive behind the shooting remains under investigation, Kirk’s critics and supporters alike agree on one thing: he was a polarising figure whose public statements frequently stoked outrage.
From his early twenties, Kirk became a prominent voice in the so-called culture wars, positioning himself as a defender of Christian values and American conservatism. But that often came at the expense of LGBTQIA+ people, racial minorities, and women, who were frequently the targets of his most inflammatory remarks.
An Unusually Long Record of LGBTQIA+ Hostility
Kirk’s views on LGBTQIA+ rights evolved — or rather devolved — over time. Once seen as a relatively moderate figure within conservative circles, he became increasingly hostile towards the LGBTQIA+ community as his profile grew.
He opposed same-sex marriage, described the LGBTQIA+ movement as an “agenda”, and forcefully criticised gender-affirming care, calling for nationwide bans. Transgender individuals were particular targets of his ire. In campus debates and public appearances, he regularly deadnamed trans people, referred to them using incorrect pronouns, and accused them of trying to “destroy women’s sports” — often citing high-profile cases like that of swimmer Lia Thomas.
In 2024, Kirk went as far as to declare that “God’s perfect law” — referencing Old Testament verses — should guide modern policy on sexual identity. His rhetoric earned condemnation from human rights groups and LGBTQIA+ advocates, who labelled his language “dehumanising” and “dangerous”.
Criticism of Women’s Rights
Kirk’s commentary on women’s issues was no less contentious. A frequent critic of modern feminism, he claimed that women have become “angrier and more bitter” since the advent of birth control and workplace equality. In a widely circulated podcast, he stated that women in their thirties were “no longer at their prime” for dating, and that society’s encouragement of female independence had led to a generation of “miserable, childless career women”.
He blamed the feminist movement for rising mental health issues amongst women and often expressed nostalgia for “traditional family roles” where women stayed home to raise children.
Unsurprisingly, these views alienated many women — even some within his own party — who saw them as regressive and rooted in chauvinism.
Views on Race: “Anti-White” Rhetoric and DEI Backlash
Perhaps most controversial were Kirk’s positions on race. He was a vocal critic of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, calling them “anti-white” and questioning whether Black professionals — including airline pilots and doctors — were hired based on merit or racial quotas.
He dismissed systemic racism as a myth, denounced critical race theory as “indoctrination”, and frequently mocked anti-racist movements, including Black Lives Matter, which he described as “malevolent” and “anti-Christian”.
Though he insisted he was simply “telling the truth”, civil rights organisations accused him of stoking racial animosity and giving cover to white nationalist sentiments.
Assassination Sends Shockwaves Through US Right
Kirk was shot whilst attending a Utah Valley University event. Police have yet to release the suspect’s identity or any possible motive, though early statements suggest the attack was premeditated. Political leaders across the spectrum have condemned the killing, with President Donald Trump describing it as a “dark day for America” and demanding a broader plan to crack down on political violence.
Kirk’s death leaves a void in the conservative movement he helped shape — and a legacy defined by outrage, confrontation, and deep cultural division.
For his supporters, he was a warrior for traditional values. For his detractors, a provocateur who legitimised hate under the guise of patriotism.
Either way, Charlie Kirk’s voice is now silent — but the culture wars he helped ignite are far from over.
Photo: The Independent
References:
https://edition.cnn.com/us/live-news/charlie-kirk-shot-utah-09-10-25
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/sep/10/who-is-charlie-kirk-profile
https://www.ft.com/content/bb4d6aca-e359-40ba-8119-9a228155b0e7
https://www.browndailyherald.com/article/2019/12/charlie-kirk-debates-political-issues-with-university-students
https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-right-wing-provocateur-gen-z-race-5b57b4178fec39f30f3caad77b93c087
https://www.mediamatters.org/charlie-kirk/charlie-kirk-has-history-violent-and-bigoted-rhetoric-he-was-first-guest-california
https://coloradotimesrecorder.com/2022/04/charlie-kirk-continues-transphobic-tirade-at-cu-boulder/45013/
