Jeremy Clarkson expressed genuine fear about his role as a newspaper columnist following the tragic shooting of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk in Utah. Kirk was shot while addressing students about his far-right beliefs. Clarkson, known for his columns in The Sunday Times News Review, received backlash from a user suggesting he stick to writing about cars due to the current climate of heightened anger and disagreement.
Critics pointed out Clarkson’s past use of violent language in his writing, for which he has expressed regret and apologized in the past. Piers Morgan, another British broadcaster, condemned Kirk’s death as an assault on free speech and democracy, labeling it as both disgusting and heartbreaking.
Charlie Kirk, a prominent figure in right-wing politics, gained notoriety for his advocacy on issues like pro-life stances, anti-trans rhetoric, and the right to bear arms. He often engaged in heated debates with students at various universities across the US. Despite controversy surrounding his views, Kirk had a strong alliance with former President Donald Trump, who mourned his death on Truth Social.
The shooting of Kirk is being treated as an assassination, with the shooter’s identity and motives still unknown. This incident adds to a series of political violence events in the US, including the recent assassinations of a Democratic state lawmaker and her husband in Minnesota, as well as two attempted assassinations targeting Trump in 2024.