Ivanka Trump has spoken out following the shocking assassination of American conservative activist Charlie Kirk. She called him a “good man” and a “champion for debate.”
Kirk, the 31‑year‑old founder of ‘Turning Point USA’, was shot dead on Thursday while addressing thousands of students at Utah Valley University.
CHARLIE KIRK’S MURDER
His death, in broad daylight, has sparked outrage, tributes and questions about growing political violence in the United States.
Speaking to CNBC, Ivanka Trump described the killing as “unconscionable” and “very personal.” She added: “I have known Charlie for almost a decade.
He was highly principled. He was a champion for dialogue and free speech, the cornerstone of democracy.” She called him “one of the best,” saying his “tongue, his brain, that was his sword.”
IVANKA TRUMP REMEMBERS HER FRIEND
Trump also reflected on Kirk’s ability to welcome disagreement.
“He represents the kind of politics we should aspire to, where you embrace debate and you are not afraid to change your mind in the face of a better argument,” she said.
WIFE TO CONTINUE THE TOUR
The activist’s widow, Erika Kirk, 36, vowed that his American Comeback Tour would go on. “He loved this work and he loved this country,” she told supporters. The couple have two young children.
The alleged gunman, 22‑year‑old Tyler Ferguson of Utah, has been arrested and is expected to face aggravated murder charges.
Former US President Donald Trump called Charlie Kirk “legendary” in a social media tribute, according to Page Six.
POLITICAL VIOLENCE
Celebrities, from Brittany Mahomes to Charlie Sheen, also condemned the Charlie Kirk killing. The hosts of The View stressed that “there’s never a place for political violence.”
For South Africans, the assassination comes as a reminder of the dangers of political extremism.
South Africa has its own history of political shootings, and the tragedy reignites debate about the value of free speech and dialogue in divided societies.
As Ivanka Trump concluded: “Once we stop talking to one another, it all breaks down.”
DO YOU AGREE WITH IVANKA TRUMP THAT DEMOCRACY DEPENDS ON OPEN DIALOGUE AND DEBATE?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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