Canadian politicians condemn shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk

Playing null of undefined

Gun used in Charlie Kirk shooting may have been set up in advance: Former FBI agent

Former FBI agent: ‘Virtually impossible’ to secure a campus against prepared gunman

CTV National News: Conservative activist Charlie Kirk fatally shot at event in Utah

'This is a political assassination': Utah Gov. Cox on fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk

CTV National News: ‘Political violence is becoming an integral tool of our politics’: Ham

‘Something very sick going on in our American society’: GOP strategist on Charlie Kirk killing

'One of the biggest things to happen in U.S. politics in a long time': Analyst on Kirk shooting

OTTAWA — Politicians in Canada are speaking out about political violence after Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist and close ally of U.S. President Donald Trump, was shot and killed Wednesday at a Utah college event.

• In Pictures: Mourners pay tribute to Charlie Kirk

Prime Minister Mark Carney issued a statement on X, saying he was “appalled” by Kirk’s assassination.

There is no justification for political violence and every act of it threatens democracy," Carney said. “My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and loved ones.”

In a social media post, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre said Kirk’s shooting must be strongly denounced.

“Political violence is NEVER justified,” Poilievre said. “The attacker must be brought to justice. And free speech must be upheld.”

Kirk, whose death was announced on social media by Trump, was speaking at a debate hosted by his non-profit political organization.

Immediately before the shooting, Kirk was taking questions from an audience member about mass shootings and gun violence.

Liberal member of Parliament Anthony Housefather said on social media that Kirk’s murder is a “tragedy.”

“I hope that those on this & other platforms that repeatedly personally attack people & incite hate against them look at this and see the potential real life consequences of targeted hateful rhetoric,” Housefather said.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith posted on social media that she is “saddened and horrified” by the shooting.

“Political violence has no place in a free and democratic society and must be condemned without reservation,” Smith said.

Yves-François Blanchet, leader of the Bloc Québécois, posted about the incident on social media from Washington.

Blanchet said in French that, beyond people’s beliefs, people have to remember that a family has just been devastated by an act that can only be matched by sadness and is unfortunately a sign of dark times. He also offered his condolences to Kirk’s loved ones.

Charlie Angus, a former New Democrat MP, said he was “appalled” at Kirk’s death.

“Politics has been pushed to the point where extremist language leads to violence,” Angus said on social media.

“In a democracy there is no justification for the murder of a man over ideas. This is a wake-up call.”

With files from The Associated Press

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 10, 2025.