Greek political leaders have condemned the assassination of US conservative activist Charlie Kirk, as the FBI released photos of a suspect linked to the killing.
Kirk, a close ally of US President Donald Trump, was shot dead by a sniper while addressing thousands at Utah Valley University.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed “abhorrence and sorrow over the heinous murder” during a meeting with the US Interior Secretary, noting the coincidence with the 11 September anniversary.
“Political violence has no place in our democracy, and freedom of speech must be protected at all costs,” Mitsotakis said.
Several Greek ministers from the ruling New Democracy party, including Thanos Plevris, Adonis Georgiadis, Vassilis Kikilias and Konstantinos Kyranakis, described the murder as a threat to democracy and freedom of expression. Far-right Voice of Reason leader Afroditi Latinopoulou accused “the left” of responsibility, calling the killing part of an “undeclared war.”
This comes as the FBI today released images of a person of interest and announced a $US100,000 reward for information, while the high-powered rifle used in the attack was recovered near the crime scene. The shooter remains at large.
US President Donald Trump labelled the assassin “an animal” and vowed justice, while announcing Kirk would be posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Source: AMNA and The Advertiser
