Strasbourg, France – European Parliament President Roberta Metsola rejected a proposal from right-wing MEPs to hold a minute of silence honoring slain U.S. conservative activist Charlie Kirk on Thursday, during a plenary session in Strasbourg, prompting chaotic protests from far-right lawmakers who banged desks and shouted in outrage.
The initiative, proposed by Charlie Weimers of the Sweden Democrats (ECR group), aimed to symbolize solidarity for free speech after Kirk’s assassination on September 10, at Utah Valley University.
Metsola’s decision, based on procedural rules requiring such tributes at plenary openings, drew applause from centrist and left-wing factions but accusations of bias from the right, highlighting divisions over Kirk’s legacy as a Trump ally and youth mobilizer.
The Proposal and Rejection
Weimers emailed dozens of MEPs on September 10, proposing the silence “to declare that our right to freedom of speech cannot be extinguished,” per an email chain seen by POLITICO.
The request gained support from right-wing and far-right groups, including the Europe of Sovereign Nations (ESN), with chair René Aust (Alternative for Germany) saying, “His murder reminds us of the importance of safeguarding fundamental freedoms, even in democratic societies.” Italy’s Northern League and Austria’s Freedom Party also backed it, viewing Kirk’s killing as an attack on conservative voices.
Metsola’s spokesperson said “Minutes of silence are announced by the president at the opening of the plenary,” which occurred on Monday. “If there is a request for a minute of silence, the request must come from a political group to be held at the opening of the session. If there is a request it can of course be done in October.”
Instead, Weimers was granted a “point of order” before voting, where he stated, “Madam President, dear colleagues, the murder of political activist Charlie Kirk, a husband, loving father, and patriot, has shocked the world. We must strongly condemn political violence and rhetoric that incites violence. Please stand with me in reflection and prayer in his honor, and I yield the rest of my time for a moment of silence.”
Vice President Katarina Barley (S&D group) interrupted, saying, “We have discussed this, and you know the president said no to a minute of silence,” met with applause from center-right, liberals, and left-wing MEPs.
Right-wing and far-right lawmakers, including Dominik Tarczyński (ECR), protested by banging desks and shouting, with Tarczyński tweeting, “As conservatives, we requested a minute of silence in the European Parliament to honor Charlie Kirk. Even in the face of death, they are incapable of showing human compassion. Therefore, I will organize an exhibition in the European Parliament to honor Charlie Kirk. His legacy will bear fruits.”
Kirk’s Assassination and Global Reactions
Kirk, 31, was fatally shot in the neck at 12:20 p.m. MDT on September 10, during Turning Point USA’s “American Comeback Tour” at UVU in Orem, Utah, attended by 3,000 students. A single shot from the Losee Center rooftop killed him instantly. The FBI released photos of a college-age suspect in black clothing on September 11, with a $100,000 reward; the manhunt continues.
President Trump ordered flags at half-staff until September 14, calling Kirk a “martyr for truth and freedom” in a September 10 address blaming “radical left” rhetoric for “terrorism.”
Metsola posted on X on September 10, “Shocked at the absolutely horrific assassination of Charlie Kirk in Utah today. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife and young children – who were the bedrock of his life.” The rejection sparked accusations of hypocrisy, with Weimers tweeting, “The European Parliament refuses a minute of silence for Charlie Kirk, but observed one for George Floyd in 2020.” Centrist French MEP Nathalie Loiseau responded on X, “Charlie Kirk didn’t deserve to die,” but supported Metsola’s procedural decision.
Right-wing MEPs like René Aust suggested nominating Kirk for the Sakharov Prize, previously awarded to Nelson Mandela and Malala Yousafzai. The Sweden Democrats’ press officer said Weimers was allowed his statement, but the interruption by Barley “sparked an outcry.”
Political Divisions in the EU Parliament
The episode highlights fractures in the 720-seat European Parliament, where right-wing groups (ECR, ESN, ID) hold 200 seats post-2024 elections. ECR (84 seats) and ESN (25 seats) backed the tribute, viewing Kirk’s death as an assault on free speech, while EPP (188 seats), S&D (136), Renew (80), and Greens (53) applauded the rejection. Barley, a German S&D vice president, enforced rules.
Kirk, a Trump ally who mobilized Gen Z in 2024, founded TPUSA in 2012, hosting “The Charlie Kirk Show” with 5.2 million followers. His events often drew protests. On X, #EUParliamentKirk trended with 100,000 posts; supporters like @MagaEurope posted, “EU elites silence conservatives even in death—shameful,” critics @EuroLeftUnity said, “Procedural, not political—Kirk’s views weren’t for all.”
HOTTEST STORIES NOW
- Trump Calls Charlie Kirk a ‘Martyr’ While Blaming His Death on the ‘Radical Left’ in a Fiery Oval Office Address
- FBI Releases Photos of Alleged Charlie Kirk Killer After Rifle Found Where Suspect Fled, Other Disturbing Details Emerge
- Republicans in Utah passed a law allowing guns on college campuses, and Charlie Kirk was fatally shot at one of those campuses
Metsola may consider a tribute in October, per her spokesperson. Right-wing MEPs, including Tarczyński’s exhibition plan, vow to honor Kirk independently.
Discover more from Local Stories
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.