Kemi Badenoch Condemns Online Celebration of Charlie Kirk’s Killing as “Normalisation of Violence”
- UK Conservative Party Leader Kemi Badenoch has condemned the online celebration of Charlie Kirk’s assassination, calling it a dangerous sign of rising political intolerance
- Her remarks follow widespread social media reactions that mocked the American activist’s death and repurposed his videos to fuel hate
- Badenoch linked the incident to broader threats against free speech, warning that silencing dissent through violence or law risks societal collapse
UK Conservative Party Leader Kemi Badenoch has strongly criticised the online reaction to the killing of American conservative activist Charlie Kirk, describing the widespread celebration as a disturbing sign of the “normalisation of violence against those who think differently.”
Kirk, co-founder of Turning Point USA, was shot dead on 10 September 2025 while addressing supporters at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. The outdoor rally, part of his “American Comeback Tour,” drew a crowd of approximately 3,000 attendees.
Source: Twitter
US authorities later arrested 22-year-old Tyler James Robinson on suspicion of carrying out the fatal attack. Investigators have yet to disclose a clear motive, but the incident has ignited global debate over political rhetoric and violence.
Badenoch slams “grotesque glee” in online reactions
In a post shared on her X handle on Monday, Badenoch expressed deep concern over the celebratory tone adopted by some social media users in response to Kirk’s death.
She wrote, “My feed was filled with people celebrating his death with grotesque glee. Videos of Kirk were chopped, twisted and repurposed by users, making him appear to say things he never said – all to justify their hate.”
The British politician went on to criticise left-leaning influencers and journalists who, according to her, mocked the 31-year-old’s assassination.
“This is not just cruelty. It is the normalisation of violence against those who dare to think differently,” she stated.
“A culture that cheers when opponents are silenced by force is one that is heading towards catastrophe.”
Free speech under threat, says Badenoch
Badenoch also linked the online reaction to broader concerns about freedom of expression. She referenced the recent arrest of British comedian Graham Linehan over tweets concerning gender identity, arguing that laws designed to prevent harm were now being used to criminalise opinion.
“Free speech is not negotiable. It is the bedrock of a free nation and one of the values true liberals and true conservatives share,” she stressed.
Shettima drags UK conservative leader Kemi Badenoch
Legit.ng earlier reported that Vice President Kashim Shettima has criticized UK Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch for remarks he described as disparaging toward Nigeria.
Badenoch, a UK MP of Nigerian descent, sparked controversy in 2022 when she accused Nigerian politicians of misusing public funds. These comments resurfaced following her election as the UK Conservative Party leader in November 2024. Meanwhile, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), revealed that her office reached out to Badenoch but received no response.
Speaking at the 10th Annual Migration Dialogue at the State House in Abuja on Monday, Shettima defended Nigeria’s global significance and called for a balanced perspective on the country’s contributions. While addressing the dialogue, Shettima acknowledged Badenoch’s achievements as a Nigerian-descended leader but expressed disappointment in her remarks.
Source: Legit.ng
