The assassination of Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative commentator and founder of Turning Point USA, sent shockwaves through political circles and communities across the globe this week. Kirk, known for his outspoken advocacy of conservative ideals and his efforts to mobilize young Americans, was shot and killed during a public appearance at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, September 10, 2025. The tragic event unfolded as Kirk engaged in a campus debate—part of his widely followed American Comeback Tour, which encouraged students to challenge and discuss political stances openly.
According to law enforcement officials, Kirk was shot in the neck while debating students on stage. By Friday, September 12, authorities had identified the alleged assassin as 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, who is currently in custody. Utah Governor Spencer Cox stated that police evidence strongly suggests Robinson targeted Kirk specifically for his conservative political beliefs, a detail that has deepened the sense of outrage and sorrow among Kirk’s supporters and political allies.
The impact of Kirk’s assassination rippled far beyond the United States. Vigils and memorials sprang up in cities around the world, with notable gatherings in Berlin, Germany; Boca Raton, Florida; Washington, DC; Houston, Texas; Scottsdale, Arizona; and Phoenix, Arizona. Yet it was in Madrid, Spain, where the outpouring of grief and solidarity was especially visible. On Wednesday night, mourners began to gather outside the American embassy in Madrid, leaving candles and a photo bearing the message "rest in peace." By Thursday evening, the crowd had swelled to dozens, with many attendees donning red "Make America Great Again" hats and bringing flowers and candles to pay their respects.
The Madrid vigil was organized by a coalition of young patriots, conservative sympathizers, and related collectives, including the youth group Revuelta and members of Vox Madrid, a populist conservative party. The event’s posters declared, "This homage is a cry against political violence and a call to defend the right to dissent without fear." The vigil was not only a moment of mourning but also a rallying point for those who saw Kirk as a symbol of free speech and resistance to what they perceive as growing intolerance for conservative viewpoints.
Revuelta, a youth organizing group with close ties to Kirk and Turning Point USA, played a significant role in the vigil. On social media, Revuelta’s organizers reflected on their personal connection to Kirk, stating, "For us, today’s homage to Charlie Kirk has a special feeling, as we had the privilege of being invited to his Turning Point event in Florida. His charisma, his oratory, his capacity to create a youth and college movement from the ground up, managing to change the vote of millions of young people, is an example for any activist." The group added, "His assassination is a sign that the world does not want you to think freely or dissent from its dogmas. From today on, we will know how to give his testimony, with the joy and impetus that should characterize our spirit despite the adversity of the times."
José Antonio Fúster, president of Vox Madrid, addressed the crowd with a somber message, linking Kirk’s death to a broader pattern of political violence targeting conservative figures worldwide. "Those who assassinated Fernando Villavicencio, those who killed Miguel Uribe, those who finished off Shinzo Abe, those who stabbed [Jair] Bolsonaro, those who shot at [President Donald] Trump ended the life of a good man," Fúster said, referencing a string of high-profile attacks on conservative leaders in recent years. He continued, "Charlie Kirk, a man who only had the word. He went to campuses in the United States, to the universities infected by wokeism, only with his word and encouraged debate. He always said that if we do not have the word, the day we stop debating, the day we stop talking, we have nothing and bad things happen. Someone was determined yesterday with his assassination to make bad things happen."
Fúster’s remarks struck a chord with many in attendance, particularly young people who saw Kirk as a role model. "Charlie Kirk was a resource for many of us and yesterday was especially a bad day for my children, they are in that age, 20, 22 years old, who saw in him as a beacon," he said. He predicted that Kirk’s death would inspire a new generation of activists: "Yesterday, thousands, dozens of thousands, possibly millions of Charlie Kirks were born, who are up to their noses with staying quiet and will use their word however they can to rebel against the dictatorship of progressivism, the dictatorship of this left, who will continue his battle."
The vigil in Madrid was marked by a sense of unity and defiance, with attendees sharing messages such as "let us pray for the Kirks" and "generational beacon." The event was meticulously documented by Revuelta, which posted images and reflections online, further amplifying the message that Kirk’s legacy would endure. According to the local outlet OK Diario, the gathering brought together "young patriots, sympathizers, and related collectives," underscoring the international reach of Kirk’s influence.
Political leaders across the Spanish-speaking world echoed the sentiments expressed at the Madrid vigil. Argentine President Javier Milei issued a statement mourning Kirk’s death and condemning what he described as a wave of left-wing political violence in the region. "He was the victim of an atrocious assassination in the middle of a wave of left-wing political violence in the entire region," Milei wrote. "The left is always, at all times and in all places, a violent, hate-filled phenomenon. The whole world lost an incredible human being."
Kirk’s assassination has revived debates over the nature of political discourse and the risks faced by public figures who challenge prevailing ideologies. His "American Comeback Tour" was designed to foster open debate and encourage young people to engage critically with ideas—values that, according to his supporters, made him both influential and a target. The events in Madrid and elsewhere served as both a memorial and a rallying cry, with participants calling for an end to political violence and a renewed commitment to free speech and civil debate.
As the investigation into Kirk’s assassination continues and his supporters mourn his loss, the legacy of his activism remains a topic of passionate discussion. The global response to his death—spanning continents and political boundaries—testifies to the profound impact he had on those who shared his vision and the enduring challenges of maintaining civility and safety in the arena of public discourse.