Had you heard of Charlie Kirk before yesterday?

[Havetoagree]

Just that really? I hadn’t and wondering if I’m the only one. And why is it such a big story? I guess the association with trump. What would be the equivalent level of fame over here?

What is decent about saying these things?

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/sep/11/charlie-kirk-quotes-beliefs

Of course I had. I’m an American living in the US. This is a very sad occasion, whether you agree with his thoughts or not.

No

We all had heard of him - DS16, DH and me. They take a big interest in US politics and I had heard of him via GC Twitter. I liked his presenting style and commitment to debate and free speech. I'm a leftwing, anti-racist feminist so I disliked his antisemitism and antifeminism and disagreed with about 90% of his views. It's a bad week for everyone regardless of your political stripe. Expressing your views and debating them using evidence and rhetoric should be valued and protected. Nobody should be shot for stating their opinions even if you think those opinions are reprehensible.

I think you're mixing up Decent, and Well Presented/Well Spoken.

There was nothing 'decent' about him, or his views.

Wrapping his vile opinions in a suit and a good haircut, doesn't make him 'decent' in any way.

No. And I was born a Yank and follow US politics very closely. But I do not read or watch Fox News. WaPo NYT WSJ - seem to have missed him there.

Both I and DH had, and have watched clips of some of his debates previously.

Only vaguely, and I do take an interest in politics. I had heard much more about a guy called Nick Fuentes, who is a similar young right wing activist, than I had about Kirk.

No, I’m 50

What do you mean "the way he is saying it?" So I could say absolutely anything and as long as I said it in "the right way" then that's all that matters?

Not really, although since seen quotes saying that 10 year old rape victims shouldn't have access to abortions and that the civil rights act was a mistake (whilst denegrating MLK) so can't say that I'm surprised he wasn't universally liked.

Quite shocked to see so many Mumsnetters saying they agree with his views. Christ. 🫣

Nope my husband and I have known of him as well. Deffo not younger generation. While I didn't agree with some of his policies. I do not believe anyone should be harmed for speaking. Everyone is entitled their own opinion.

I’m stunned at how many people thought he was a “good man” and respected his views. Do you know what he actually said?

Here are some quotes.

“if I see a Black pilot, I’m going to be like boy, I hope he’s qualified.”

”Reject feminism. Submit to your husband. You’re not in charge.”

And “the baby would be delivered” when asked if he would support his 10 year old daughter if she was raped and wanted an abortion.

"I think it’s worth to have a cost of, unfortunately, some gun deaths every single year so that we can have the Second Amendment.”

Gun control, vaccines, and face masks were about "taking freedoms away from others" and urged his followers, "Don't fall for it."

“I think empathy is a made up, new age term”

And SO much more hateful, scary stuff.

People on here really think those are good POVs? His views were harmful. He was a bigot and an extremist.

Reading that people on this thread like what he said really frightens me.

You missed out the vital next part where he said and I quote

“When one of the participants at the event questioned, ‘So you are comparing abortion to the Holocaust?’ he responded, saying, ‘Absolutely, I am. In fact, it is worse. It's worse.’

No he wasn’t. Everything he said he could back up with his faith, beliefs and a lot of common sense.

You said he didn’t care about the death of innocents and in that same breath said the same about a guy who has done you zero harm.

A human who was executed in public. To have zero fucks says an awful lot about your character.

Rather you just kept it to yourself tbh.

No never heard of him, neither had my dad who is 80, my millennial daughter had though,.

No… and I’m a pretty avid follower of politics/current affairs.

Both of my teens had!

No. I’m 34.

Why did you really respect him? he wanted women tied to the kitchen sink he really believed in project 25. Watched him on YT debating Adam Mockler on Jubiliee. Also think was the Cambridge debating team wiped the floor with him. I am 59. Whilst I completely disagree with his opinion, violence, & I understand feeling like that but killing is unacceptable. so sad for his family.

But he thought people should be shot, he'd literally say his own death was worth it.

I’m in the US. It’s hard not to notice a rising star among the group trying to topple American democracy.

i hadn’t heard of him before yesterday, but have heard plenty since… which leads me to ask those saying he was an intelligent man and they respected his content, do you mind me asking what it was exactly about what he said that you respected? I only ask as his views seemed (in my opinion) to be largely abhorrent on a variety of issues.

Yes, mainly videos of his debates across socials.

No, I avoid politics it stresses me out to the point of making me sick.