Ex-presidents Biden and Obama join cross-party tributes to staunch Trump ally

Tributes have been paid from across the political spectrum following the fatal shooting of conservative US influencer Charlie Kirk.

The staunch Donald Trump ally and father of two was shot in the neck while speaking at a university event in Utah on Wednesday.

The 31-year-old conservative was the chief executive and co-founder of conservative group Turning Point USA, and a popular voice within the president's MAGA movement.

While often regarded as a polarising figure, he was nonetheless recognised for his firm convictions and his skill in mobilising grassroots support.

Donald Trump

The US president hailed him as a "great, and even legendary" figure, "loved and admired by all, especially me".

"He inspired millions and tonight all who knew him and loved him are united in shock and horror," he said.

Joe Biden

Former US president Joe Biden said: "There is no place in our country for this kind of violence.

"It must end now. Jill and I are praying for Charlie Kirk's family and loved ones."

JD Vance

Mr Trump's vice president had asked people to pray for Mr Kirk.

"Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord," he later said.

Barack Obama

Another former Democrat president, Barack Obama, also denounced the killing, saying: "This kind of despicable violence has no place in our democracy.

"Michelle and I will be praying for Charlie's family tonight, especially his wife Erika and their two young children."

Nancy Pelosi

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said: "The horrific shooting today at Utah Valley University is reprehensible. Political violence has absolutely no place in our nation."

Marjorie Taylor Greene

Republican representative and another staunch MAGA loyalist, Marjorie Taylor Greene said it was a "dark day for America".

"Charlie championed open dialogue for the good of our nation, and he was killed for it," she said.

Read more from Sky News:
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Messages of condolence have also come from political figures overseas, particularly from right-leaning parties in Europe and elsewhere who collaborated with Kirk on various initiatives.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the attack and expressed her condolences, while Swedish Christian Democrats leader Ebba Busch extended her sympathies.

Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu hailed Charlie Kirk as a "lion-hearted friend of Israel" dedicated to "speaking truth and defending freedom".

UK reaction

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: "It is heartbreaking that a young family has been robbed of a father and a husband.

"We must all be free to debate openly and freely without fear - there can be no justification for political violence."

Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch said: "The killing of Charlie Kirk is a blow to everything Western civilization stands for: open discourse, robust debate and peaceful dissent. He lived his life by those very principles, no matter the danger it put him in.

"This may have happened far from our shores, but the rising intolerance of opposing views affects us all. We cannot turn a blind eye to it."

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said: "This is a very dark day for American democracy. I am desperately sad for Charlie, his wife and children."

Former UK prime minister Boris Johnson said the murder of Charlie Kirk "is a tragedy, and a sign of the utter desperation and cowardice of those who could not defeat him in argument".