Conservatives from Spain and Latin America expressed their outrage and sorrow on Wednesday after the tragic death of commentator Charlie Kirk, referring to him as “one of us” as they shared memories of their friendship.
Kirk was fatally shot by an unidentified assailant while speaking at Utah Valley University on Wednesday afternoon. He was the founder of Turning Point USA, an organization promoting conservative values, particularly among youth, and was a familiar presence on university campuses advocating for civil discourse. He was just 31 years old.
The most prominent tribute from Latin America came from Javier Milei, the Libertarian President of Argentina, who had met Kirk during a visit to Florida where he also met former President Donald Trump. Kirk actively supported Milei’s presidential campaign and his goals to curtail the Argentine federal government.
“He fell victim to a brutal assassination amid a surge of left-wing political violence in the region,” Milei stated, expressing his deep appreciation for Kirk. “The left is always, everywhere, a force of violence and hatred. The world has lost an incredible soul.”
In paying tribute, Santiago Olia shared a video of Kirk discussing Milei during their meeting, where Kirk passionately referred to Milei’s efforts in closing government agencies, exclaiming, ¡Afuera! (“Out!”).
“He knew the president,” Olia said. “Afuera! What an incredible man. They took one of us,” he lamented.
Daniel Parigini, a conservative commentator from Argentina, known as “El Gordo Dan,” lauded Kirk during a podcast, referring to him as “Yankee Gold Dunn.” He emphasized how invaluable Kirk was in keeping many in Argentina informed about U.S. news, calling him a beloved and open-hearted individual.
Unfortunately, in response to the news of Kirk’s death, some leftist figures on social media in Argentina quickly threatened Parigini, commenting things like, “It was your Gordo Dan; I hope you’re next.”
In Venezuela, opposition leader Maria Corina Machado released an English-language statement honoring Kirk, having endured her own share of political violence under Nicolás Maduro’s regime for years.
“His murder is a significant act that all citizens across the globe must denounce. The cornerstone of any democratic society is the sacred right to free speech and political diversity,” she wrote.
Colombian conservative party, the Democratic Center, also condemned Kirk’s assassination. Presidential candidate Miguel Uribe was shot at a public campaign event, reflecting the alarming rise in violence targeting political figures in the country.
“We denounce the violent actions that took Charlie Kirk’s life in the strongest possible terms,” the party stated, reminding everyone that freedom, democracy, and security must be prioritized above violence.
Eduardo Bolsonaro, son of the former president of Brazil, expressed his shock at Kirk’s murder and honored him, mentioning how they had worked together and acknowledging the vastness of his mission.
“He was another conservative victim of hatred and intolerance. Despite his political reach, he always encouraged important dialogues,” Eduardo Bolsonaro remarked. “Kirk understood the essence of discussing larger-than-life topics, and his success at university events highlighted the struggles young people face in a left-leaning environment.”
El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele did not publicly comment on the situation, but he did share a video praising Kirk. He also criticized U.S. leftist media for their remarks seemingly suggesting that Kirk bore some responsibility for his own murder.
In Spain, Santiago Abascal, head of the conservative Vox party, paid tribute to Kirk, emphasizing the disturbing trend of left-wing violence highlighted by this tragic event.
“The assassination of Charlie Kirk illustrates the murderous tendencies prevailing among much of the Western left,” Abascal wrote. “They justify these hate crimes with a troubling immunity.”
Spanish conservatives lit candles and set up makeshift memorials in front of the U.S. embassy in Madrid on Wednesday to commemorate Kirk.
There are also plans for a candlelight vigil on Thursday night to celebrate Kirk’s legacy.
