Statement from Argentine President on Charlie Kirk’s Death
Argentine President Javier Miley released a statement paying tribute to Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, who was fatally shot on Wednesday during an event at Utah Valley University.
Miley, who met Kirk shortly after his presidential election during a visit to Florida, labeled him as “a fervent advocate of Western freedom.” He also underscored how leftist ideology often intertwines with violent acts in his comments.
“He was the target of a brutal assassination amidst a surge of political violence from the left across the region,” Miley stated. “The left consistently embodies a violent and hateful essence. The world has lost a remarkable individual.”
In addition to remembering Kirk, Miley expressed his condolences to the many young people who admired Kirk and his family.
Miley’s mention of “a wave of left-wing political violence” ties into recent notable assassinations of conservative figures in the Western Hemisphere. Recently, a child gunman killed a leading candidate for the 2026 Colombian presidential election, and Senator Miguel Uribe Turbey was hospitalized before his condition emerged in August. Prior to Uribe’s assassination, another presidential frontrunner, former journalist Fernando Villavencio from Ecuador, was murdered during a campaign event in 2023. These incidents highlight the ongoing violence experienced by conservative politicians throughout South America.
Alongside his political engagements, Kirk, who was also a TV and radio host, showed interest in Miley’s successful campaign in 2023, describing it as a “wonderful shot of hope across the equator.” Kirk had remarked on Miley, a trade economics professor gaining recognition, calling him an “interesting populist nationalist” with a striking haircut.
“This guy is peculiar, yet he strongly opposes communism,” Kirk said thoughtfully.
During an edition of his show in December, Kirk recounted a joyful face-to-face meeting with Miley, even though Miley had limited English proficiency. “I said one word—he laughed and stared back. I said Ahuela and he chuckled,” Kirk recalled. The term Ahuela, or “Out,” became a catchphrase of Miley’s campaign after he showcased which government departments he aimed to eliminate.
Kirk’s connection with Argentine conservatives was solidified through his knowledge of Miley’s campaign. On Wednesday, a video shared by Miley’s campaign videographer, Santiago Olia, featured Kirk at a conference with Miley, explaining the significance of ¡Afuera!
“He understood the president’s ‘Ahuela!'” Olia remembered. “A great man. They killed one of us.”
Kirk was fatally shot after participating in a campus tour at Utah Valley University that promoted open discussions and civil debates. Law enforcement has announced that the shooters are still being pursued. At 31 years old, Kirk left behind two children.
Miley became the third world leader to honor Kirk after his assassination, following statements from former President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“The great and legendary Charlie Kirk has passed away,” Trump wrote. “I don’t think anyone understood the center of American youth better than Charlie. He connected with everyone, especially me, and now he’s gone. Melania and I extend our sympathies to his family, especially his lovely wife Erica. Charlie, we love you!”
Netanyahu characterized Kirk as “a friend of Israel” and stated that he was “murdered for his willingness to speak the truth and defend freedom.”
“I had spoken with him just two weeks ago and invited him to Israel. Sadly, that visit will never happen,” Netanyahu noted. “We have lost an incredible person whose strong pride in America and unwavering belief in free speech will have a lasting impact.”
