Lithuania’s parliament, Seimas, on Thursday held a moment of silence to honour Charlie Kirk, the controversial US conservative activist who was fatally shot last week in Utah.
The tribute was requested by lawmaker Rimas Jonas Jankūnas, a member of the Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union and the Christian Families Alliance.
“Although belated, I would like to invite the Seimas to honour the memory of Charlie Kirk, who was murdered by forces fighting against freedom of speech,” Jankūnas told fellow lawmakers.
Kirk, 31, a prominent right-wing political organiser, was shot and killed last week during an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.
Authorities have identified the suspected shooter as Tyler Robinson, 22, who has been charged with murder. In Utah, aggravated murder carries the possibility of the death penalty. US President Donald Trump has said he supports that punishment in this case.
Kirk was considered a rising star of America’s right wing, amassing a large following of young supporters who helped boost Trump’s successful presidential bid in November 2024.
Supporters have described him as a martyr. In 2012, he founded Turning Point USA, a conservative youth organisation, and frequently appeared on television as its representative.
Critics point out Kirk’s positions against racial equality, LGBTQ and women’s rights, demonisation of migrants, his peddling of disinformation about Covid-19 and involvement in the January 6, 2021, US Capitol attack.
A father of two, Kirk built a wide digital audience on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube, where he promoted anti-immigration policies, religion and gun rights. He also shared carefully edited videos of his campus debates and appearances.
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