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Members of the European Parliament dramatically refused a request to honor Charlie Kirk with a a moment of silence in the chamber Thursday.
Kirk, 31, was killed Wednesday as he addressed students at Utah Valley University, sending shock waves across the nation.
Kirk gained recognition for rallying young conservatives and was actively visiting college campuses through Turning Point USA. President Donald Trump praised him as “the best of America.”
Over at the EU, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the attack on Kirk when he was shot dead as “a deep wound for democracy.”
Flags representing the 27 EU member countries flutter before the European Parliament on April 5, 2025, in Brussels, Belgium. (Photo by Thierry Monasse/Getty Images)
Since that session had already taken place on Monday, Metsola noted a tribute could still be scheduled for October.
When Weimers relinquished his remaining speaking time to observe a moment of silence, Vice President Katarina Barley interrupted him, igniting desk-banging objections from right-wing members in the chamber.
“We have discussed this, and you know the president said no to a minute of silence,” Barley said as centrist and left-leaning members clapped.
Beyond the chamber confines, András László from the Hungarian Fidesz party criticized the Parliament for inconsistency, highlighting that it previously commemorated George Floyd but declined to honor Kirk.
The EU Parliament denied a tribute request to Charlie Kirk and cited procedural rules. (Getty)
Online, some lawmakers also posted, “I am Charlie” images, showing the slogan from the 2015 Charlie Hebdo attack.
Metsola defended the decision as consistent with parliamentary procedure and offered condolences.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife and young children — who were the bedrock of his life,” she said.
