An independent Burnley councillor has resigned after a social media post in which she suggested US conservative commentator Charlie Kirk "made himself a target" and "brought his assassination upon himself," the local authority confirmed on Thursday.
The post, attributed to Fiona Wild, drew immediate condemnation from other councillors and national commentators after Kirk, a married father of two, was fatally shot while speaking at a university event in Utah. Burnley Council said in a statement that Ms. Wild had resigned and that she had been serving as an independent at the time of her departure.
Council leader Jamie McGowan earlier described the remarks as "vile" and had called on Ms. Wild to quit immediately. A Conservative colleague told local media the comment showed "a nasty side" and noted the personal toll of the killing, saying "two small children have woken up without their daddy this morning." The council's confirmation said Ms. Wild was not representing any political party on the authority at the time of her resignation; local reports identified her as a trade union activist who left the Labour Party in August.
The online post at the centre of the controversy said in part, "I don't condone violence, but I do think he made himself a target and brought this on himself so good riddance to not a very nice man!" The remark was among a number of strongly worded and, in some cases, mocking reactions from commentators and activists after the killing that have fuelled a wider backlash across social media and broadcast media in the United Kingdom.
Kirk, who founded Turning Point USA and was a frequent critic of left-wing politics, was struck in the neck by a single bullet while addressing students at an outdoor campus event about mass shootings. Authorities in Utah launched a manhunt immediately after the attack. FBI Director Kash Patel later said a person of interest had been taken into custody but released after an interrogation; the investigation remains active and state officials have said they are pursuing leads.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox called the attack a "political assassination" and vowed the shooter would be found and held accountable. President Donald Trump described Kirk as a "martyr for truth and freedom" and ordered flags at US government buildings to be lowered to half-staff. Turning Point UK said it would hold a vigil in London for Kirk.
The killing intensified debates about political rhetoric and safety for public figures. Several British politicians issued statements condemning political violence. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer offered condolences to Kirk's family and said "there can be no justification for political violence." Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and Conservative figures including Kemi Badenoch and former prime minister Boris Johnson also expressed shock and sympathy for the family, with Johnson calling Kirk a "shining new martyr to free speech." Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said political violence should have no place in society.
Broadcasters and social media users faced criticism for allowing or posting remarks that appeared to celebrate or downplay the killing. Clips circulated online of American and British commentators making divisive comparisons or describing Kirk in strongly negative terms; one guest on a UK morning programme was criticised after saying Kirk "wasn't admired and loved by all." Another commentator compared Kirk to David Duke, the former Ku Klux Klan leader, remarks that were condemned by viewers who said the timing was insensitive.
Brendan Cox, whose wife Jo Cox was murdered in 2016, urged a reduction in political temperature. He said the United States should use the moment to "tone down the temperature, rather than turn it up even further," while also condemning those who celebrated the killing.
Security arrangements at the Utah campus have come under scrutiny after attendees said there were no checkpoints, bag checks or metal detectors at the event. Video footage shared online appeared to show a figure in dark clothing on a nearby rooftop shortly before the shot was fired; witnesses described panic as the crowd fled. Two people initially detained by police were later released.
The online backlash to comments from public figures in Britain added to the pressure on Ms. Wild to resign. Local leaders emphasized that while free expression is protected, remarks that appear to condone violence were unacceptable. Burnley Council's statement confirming the resignation did not provide further detail about formal disciplinary steps.
Kirk leaves behind his wife, Erika, and two young children. US and UK responses to his death have highlighted concerns about political polarisation, online discourse and the safety of public figures who engage in high-profile political debate. Investigations in Utah are ongoing, and authorities have continued to appeal for information as they seek to identify and apprehend the person or persons responsible for the shooting.