EU Parliament Split Over Moment of Silence for Charlie Kirk

Debate erupted in the European Parliament on Thursday after lawmakers clashed over whether to observe a minute of silence for Charlie Kirk, the U.S. conservative activist and Donald Trump ally who was murdered in Utah on September 10.

The request came from René Aust, head of the far-right Europe of Sovereign Nations group and a member of Germany’s AfD party. Speaking to Politico, Aust said: “His murder reminds us of the importance of safeguarding fundamental freedoms, even in democratic societies.”

Parliament President Roberta Metsola rejected the proposal, clarifying through a spokesperson that moments of silence are only announced by the president at the opening of sessions. Metsola added that a formal request from a political group could bring the matter back for discussion in the October session.

Swedish MEP Charlie Weimers was allowed a brief intervention before a vote but was interrupted by Vice-President Katarina Barley (Social Democrats) when he attempted to dedicate his remaining speaking time to silence. The interruption sparked protests from right-wing groups but was applauded by centrist and left-wing lawmakers.

Center-right, liberal, and leftist parties declined to comment further, stressing that the decision rested with Metsola.

Kirk, a prominent figure in the MAGA movement, rose to national prominence for his campus activism and efforts to mobilize young conservative voters. Following his death, Donald Trump released a video message calling him “the best of America,” while blaming the attacker for striking at “our entire country.”

Earlier, Metsola had expressed condolences on social media, writing that she was “shocked by the horrific murder of Charlie Kirk in Utah today. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife and young children — the foundation of his life.”