Leah McCourt leads tributes after Charlie Kirk shot dead

The close ally of US President Donald Trump was killed at an event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday

Northern Irish MMA fighter Leah McCourt has led tributes to conservative activist Charlie Kirk after he was shot dead.

The close ally of US President Donald Trump was killed at an event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, September 10.

Kirk, aged 31, was shot in the neck. President Trump confirmed in a social media post that Kirk had died.

READ MORE: Charlie Kirk dead UPDATES as Donald Trump ally shot in neck at rally

Trump said on TruthSocial: “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie.

“He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!”

Posting on X while sharing a photo of herself with Kirk, Leah McCourt said: “The impact [Charlie Kirk] had in his short 31 years is more than thousands upon thousands non believers have had.

“His voice, passion and love of Christ was so beyond inspiring. The hand he played in the revival of young people was unparalleled.

“May god rest his soul, I know my Granda will have his arm round him in heaven. Two great men.

“I pray for his beautiful wife and family. Stay close to god, get your house in order. We are in the end times.”

Also posting on social media, DUP leader Gavin Robinson said: “The tragic murder of Charlie Kirk represents more than violence against one man, but an assault on freedom of speech and open dissent. Our democracy depends on our ability to disagree peacefully. Whatever our politics, violence should never replace debate. Above all, this is a devastating loss for his loved ones. My thoughts and prayers are with them this evening.”

Alliance MP Sorcha Eastwood also posted on X. She said: “The murder of Charlie Kirk is horrifying and chilling. Political violence is wrong. Always. If you can’t condemn it, you are a part of the problem. You debase yourself and you destroy any argument you seek to advance. You destroy our basic humanity and empathy. His poor family, my prayers are with them.”

Deputy leader of the Alliance party, Eóin Tennyson MLA, said “the murder of Charlie Kirk is appalling and horrifying”.

He added: “There is no place for political violence in any society. Democracy relies on our ability to debate openly and freely without fear. Thinking tonight of his young family.”

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