The sudden and violent death of the American activist Charlie Kirk, who rallied a youth movement and held celebrity status among his fans, has sparked fierce debate over his political legacy.
The 31-year-old's young supporters appreciated his conservative Christian values and frank opinions. Speaking to the BBC, many were in tears as they remembered a man who listened to them and understood their concerns.
His views were polarising on the college campuses where he held large events, and his provocative speeches would draw crowds of vocal opponents as well as fans.
Kirk was a strong supporter of gun rights, vehemently opposed abortion, was critical of transgender rights, and promoted false claims about Covid-19. He wasn't shy when it came to expressing his views, and his detractors also didn't hold back.
Now, both supporters and opponents have been left shaken after he was killed by a single shot on stage while debating at a university in Utah.
I am sad, distraught, said the left-wing influencer Dean Withers, who is known for posting about political issues and debating conservatives, including Kirk.
In an emotional video posted to his millions of followers, Withers said gun violence is always disgusting, always vile and always abhorrent.
Many tributes referencing gun violence openly pushed back on disturbing comments online that implied Kirk deserved to be shot because of his position on gun rights, which included the view that more people should own weapons and some shooting deaths were inevitable.
Those comments also reflect a broader conversation in the wake of his death. As people paid tribute to Kirk and shared condolences with his family, many stressed that regardless of a person's viewpoints, political violence is never justifiable.
Julia Pierce, a member of Kirk's organization, Turning Point USA, stated he would be remembered for giving young conservatives the confidence to embrace their beliefs. Others remember him for his dramatic rise as a right-wing provocateur, having attracted young people with fervent crowds and divisive ideas.
Kirk's stance on LGBTQ+ rights was particularly polarizing, as he vocally opposed same-sex marriage and often cited his Christian faith to justify his views. Activists remarked that his harsh rhetoric contributed to a hostile environment for minorities.
Whether they agreed with Kirk or not, those interviewed all noted that this incident marks a potentially dangerous turning point for freedom of speech and expression.
