The EU Parliament is under fire after declining a request to hold a minute of silence for American conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot at Utah Valley University on Thursday.
The move has triggered sharp criticism from European lawmakers, some of whom accused the Parliament of double standards, pointing to its earlier tributes for George Floyd.
MEPs Demand Tribute for Slain Activist
Swedish MEP Charlie Weimers, representing the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) group, urged lawmakers to pause proceedings in memory of Kirk, declaring that such a gesture would affirm that “our right to freedom of speech cannot be extinguished.”
Weimer’s call was supported by Germany’s AfD and France’s Identity Liberties movement.
EU Parliament President Rejects Request
Patriots and conservatives demanded a minute of silence in the European Parliament today for Charlie Kirk.
As it was expected that the socialist chair wouldn’t allow it, @weimers parliamentarian said he’ll yield his time for silence.
The socialist chair deliberately started… pic.twitter.com/kfyyDhytOX— András LÁSZLÓ MEP 🇭🇺 (@laszloan) September 11, 2025
However, Parliament President Roberta Metsola refused the request, citing procedural rules. She explained that tributes must be submitted at the start of plenary sessions and said the issue could be revisited during the October sitting.
When Weimers attempted to use his remaining speaking time to press the case further, Vice President Katarina Barley cut him off, escalating tensions inside the chamber.
Accusations of Double Standards
The European Parliament stood for George Floyd…
But refused to do it for Charlie Kirk.We must rid Europe of woke ideology. pic.twitter.com/tDMA2JJ3Fp
— András LÁSZLÓ MEP 🇭🇺 (@laszloan) September 11, 2025
The decision drew immediate criticism from Hungarian MEP András László, who noted that the EU Parliament had previously honored George Floyd but was now refusing to recognize Charlie Kirk in the same way.
In protest, some lawmakers began posting “I am Charlie” on social media, echoing the solidarity slogan used after the 2015 Charlie Hebdo terror attacks in Paris.
Metsola Defends Decision
Defending her stance, Metsola insisted that the refusal was rooted in parliamentary rules, not politics. She extended her condolences to Kirk’s family, stating:
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife and young children, who were the bedrock of his life.”
Context: Kirk’s Assassination and Global Reactions
Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was shot dead while addressing students in Utah. The killing has prompted strong reactions in the US and abroad, with many calling it a direct attack on free speech.
The EU Parliament’s refusal to honor him has only deepened the political debate in Europe, with conservatives demanding consistent recognition of victims of violence, regardless of ideology.
