An Australian mental health professional has drawn widespread condemnation after a series of TikTok videos in which she mocked the assassination of American conservative activist Charlie Kirk, describing his fatal injuries in graphic terms and saying it was acceptable to laugh at his death.
Lizzy Page, who identifies herself on social media as a writer, poet and mental health advocate, posted multiple short videos in the wake of Kirk’s killing in Utah last week in which she said it was “not wrong or unethical or unkind to laugh at the misfortunes of terrible people.” She referred to Kirk’s head as a “human water fountain” and said his death “came back to haunt him” because, she claimed, he “incited violence.”
Kirk, a 31-year-old conservative activist and prominent supporter of former President Donald Trump, was shot onstage at a charity event and later died. The accused gunman, identified by authorities as 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, surrendered to police in Utah and is in custody; he is expected to face formal charges, prosecutors said.
Page’s comments, delivered in videos in which she speaks directly to camera, also included assertions that Kirk was “an abuser” and suggestions that his role as a father did not warrant sympathy. In one clip she said those who say his children should be spared from criticism were mistaken and described some of Kirk’s advocacy as “by definition in the United States child abuse,” without providing specific examples.
The remarks prompted sharp criticism on social media and from Australian politicians. Senator Ralph Babet reposted one of Page’s videos on X and called the content “beyond disturbing,” saying people who made such comments were “dangerous.” Babet urged viewers to contact Page’s employer and questioned whether someone who had worked in mental health advocacy should be making such remarks.
Page’s LinkedIn profile indicates she worked at the Victorian Mental Illness Awareness Council (VMIAC) until June of last year and that she writes about policy that aims to “honour dignity in mental healthcare.” In response to the TikTok posts, a woman who identified herself as a child protection worker criticized Page on LinkedIn, saying Kirk “was exercising his free speech and was murdered for it” and that Page’s comments were “callous” and “insensitive.”
Commenters on Page’s TikTok account also challenged her claims, with many demanding she provide evidence that Kirk had incited violence. Others wrote that it was never acceptable to laugh at the death of another person, regardless of their politics.
Page told viewers in one video that she had empathy only for Kirk’s “victims,” a comment that was not accompanied by clarification about who she meant. The Daily Mail, which first reported on the videos, said it had contacted Page and the Victorian Mental Illness Awareness Council for comment.
Authorities in Utah have described the incident as a targeted attack at a public event. Investigators have not yet released a motive for the shooting. Legal proceedings against the accused suspect are expected to proceed in state court. Public reactions to the killing have included vigils and calls for unity from some American political figures, while others have debated the role of incendiary rhetoric in political violence.
The social media responses to Page’s remarks highlight tensions over free speech, professional conduct for people who work in health and advocacy settings, and the boundaries of public commentary after violent events. The Victorian Mental Illness Awareness Council did not immediately respond to requests for comment reported by outlets covering the controversy.