Members of the European Parliament notably rejected a proposal to observe a moment of silence in the chamber on Thursday.
The 31-year-old Kirk was assassinated on Wednesday while speaking to students at , an event that sent shockwaves throughout the country.
Kirk was recognized for galvanizing young conservatives and frequently appeared at universities alongside Turning Point USA. President referred to him as “the best of America.”
Within the EU, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni characterized Kirk’s fatal shooting as “a deep wound for democracy.”
Charlie Weimers, a Swedish MEP from the group, urged fellow members on Thursday to halt parliamentary activities and to “declare that our right to freedom of speech cannot be extinguished.”
Weimers’ appeal garnered support from members of Germany’s AfD and France’s Identity Liberties movement.
However, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola rejected the request, stating that procedural regulations mandate tributes be formally presented at the start of a plenary session.
As that session had concluded on Monday, Metsola indicated that a tribute could still be arranged for October.
When Weimers subsequently yielded his remaining speaking time for a moment of silence, Vice President Katarina Barley interrupted him, leading to desk-banging protests from conservative lawmakers present.
“We have discussed this, and as you know, the president declined a minute of silence,” Barley stated, while centrist and left-wing members applauded.
Outside the chamber, András László, a Hungarian Fidesz MEP, accused the Parliament of hypocrisy, highlighting its prior recognition of George Floyd while denying the same for Kirk.
On social media, some lawmakers additionally shared “I am Charlie” images, referencing the slogan from the 2015 Charlie Hebdo attack.
Metsola defended the decision, asserting its adherence to parliamentary procedure, and extended condolences.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife and young children — who constituted the foundation of his life,” she stated.