Dutch PM, political leaders condemn murder of U.S. far-right commentator Charlie Kirk

The murder of American far-right commentator Charlie Kirk is “a cowardly and horrifying act,” said caretaker Prime Minister Dick Schoof on X. “In a free democracy, you oppose each other with words, never with violence.” Schoof further stated that his thoughts are “with his family and loved ones.”

Kirk, 31, was an influential ally of President Donald Trump. He was shot on Wednesday at a university event. He died shortly afterward from his injuries. Two people have been detained for the murder, but both were released by the police.

Key figures in the Tweede Kamer, the lower house of Dutch parliament, also expressed shock. “Yet another horrific assassination attempt in the U.S. that calls for a strong condemnation,” said GroenLinks-PvdA leader Frans Timmermans. “No matter how deep political disagreements may be, anyone who thinks they can resolve them with violence endangers democracy itself.”

PVV leader Geert Wilders is using the murder to push his own political agenda on X. In one tweet, he suggests that after this attack, it would be “a celebration” for GroenLinks-PvdA.

VVD leader Dilan Yesilgöz-Zegerius called it a cowardly attack. “A free society needs debate and critical questions, where you disagree with words. Never with violence.”

D66 leader Rob Jetten also emphasized that violence has “no place whatsoever” in a free democracy. “That America is once again confronted with an assassination that silences a voice in the public debate is a blow to everyone with a democratic heart.”

Mirjam Bikker of the ChristenUnie called Kirk’s murder terrible news. “When differing opinions are turned into enemies, when trust in the power of words is replaced by the destruction of bullets, freedom becomes empty and democracy becomes the right of the strongest.”

The murder has resulted in polarizing views all across the country, with one middle school teacher in Heerenveen facing repercussions for messages he placed on social media, in which he celebrated Kirk’s death, according to Hart van Nederland.

The teacher posted “Happy Charlie Kirk Day to everyone who celebrates it,” on the social media companies X and BlueSky. Another post read: “Controversial opinion but: dead Nazis are good.” The teacher also responded to someone who, in reaction to Kirk’s murder, said that “violence against fascists is self-defense” with: “You’re aiming for an A+, young man!”

Parents contacted the school where the teacher works, and the school said on its website. The school emphasized that it “expressly distances itself from the views and convictions expressed in those posts. The opinions and statements made by the teacher in question are contrary to our principle of connection and mutual respect. We are taking appropriate measures against the teacher involved.”

They have not yet announced what these measures are.