The sudden and violent death of the American activist Charlie Kirk, who rallied a youth movement and held celebrity status among his fans, has sparked fierce debate over his political legacy.
The 31-year-old's young supporters appreciated his conservative Christian values and frank opinions. Speaking to the BBC, many were in tears as they remembered a man who listened to them and understood their concerns.
His views were polarising on the college campuses where he held large events, and his provocative speeches would draw crowds of vocal opponents as well as fans.
Kirk was a strong supporter of gun rights, vehemently opposed abortion, was critical of transgender rights and promoted false claims about Covid-19. He wasn't shy when it came to expressing his views - and his detractors also didn't hold back.
Encouraging and taking part in fierce, open debates was central to both his professional success and his personal worldview. When people stop talking, that's when you get violence, Kirk says in a video that has been widely shared since his death.
Now, both supporters and opponents have been left shaken after he was killed by a single shot on stage while debating at a university in Utah.
Many of the tributes referencing gun violence openly pushed back on disturbing comments online which implied Kirk deserved to be shot because of his position on gun rights, which included the view that more people should own weapons and some shooting deaths were inevitable.
In the wake of his tragic death, a broader conversation arose, with tributes acknowledging that regardless of differing viewpoints, political violence is never justifiable. Activists and students alike expressed dismay over the shooting, emphasizing the need for civil discourse.
Kirk's legacy remains complex as discussions navigate between his influence in conservative circles and the unsettling reality of political violence. For many, he was a figure who inspired engagement in politics while also evoking strong polarization.
