Shooting of Charlie Kirk sparks reaction on Ottawa campuses

Students on campuses in Ottawa say the killing of right-wing commentator Charlie Kirk raises concerns about political violence. CTV’s Tyler Fleming reports.

While Charlie Kirk was better known in the United States than in Canada, his shooting death is drawing reaction from students on this side of the border and a strong rejection of political and gun violence.

Kirk, who co-founded the conservative group Turning Point USA at age 18, gained a massive online following for his hard-edged takes on immigration, gender and politics. His videos and podcasts drew millions of views and, while less prominent in Canada, he still appeared regularly in students’ social feeds.

“I used to see his videos. He would go viral for his controversial takes,” said Demi Lawal, a student at Carleton University, adding Kirk’s death is a reminder that heated debate should never lead to violence. “We are supposed to live in a world where you’re able to, obviously not incite violence with their views, but at least be able to speak freely, right? Have a difference of opinion that shouldn’t lead to death.”

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Kirk was shot in the throat and killed during an appearance in front of a large crowd at a Utah university. For Jasper McCuaig, at Algonquin College, those details underscored the horror, which he called “disgusting and disturbing.”

The incident has also sparked concerns over graphic content online, after videos of the shooting circulated widely on social media.

“It just pops into your feed, and you don’t even ask to see that. It’s quite disturbing that it’s there for public view,” Lawal says. “What if that was my father who was just going and speaking on what he believed in, and he got killed like that? it doesn’t really make any sense. It’s evil.”

Brendan Sotta, another university student, calls the spread of violent content online feels unavoidable.

“I don’t really think we have any control over what social media can restrict, rather than allowing to spread like it has,” he says. “But it’s not what I want to wake up to.”

Students said Kirk’s death highlights deepening divisions in U.S. politics and their ripple effects internationally.

“I don’t think it’s ever right in any situation,” says McCuaig. “And I think anyone who is disagreed with his political takes, and is saying it’s okay that he died, or is not downplaying this … it’s just disturbing to hear. I don’t think any gun violence should ever be recommended. And I think some way there needs to be a change in America.”

Kirk’s death has drawn bipartisan condemnation from politicians on both sides of the border.

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