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 a social media post, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre says Kirk’s shooting must be strongly denounced.
Poilievre says political violence is never justified, 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.
Liberal member of Parliament Anthony Housefather said on social media that Kirk’s murder is a “tragedy” and he hopes people recognize “the potential real life consequences of targeted hateful rhetoric.”
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith posted on social media that she is “saddened and horrified” by the shooting and that political violence “has no place in a free and democratic society and must be condemned without reservation.”
— With files from The Associated Press
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 10, 2025.
