Harry Potter author JK Rowling posted a message about political violence on Thursday evening, one day following the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at a Utah university campus.
Expressing disgust at those celebrating the horrific incident, Ms Rowling penned: “If you believe free speech is for you but not your political opponents, you’re illiberal.”
Her tweet continued: “If no contrary evidence could change your beliefs, you’re a fundamentalist.
“If you believe the state should punish those with contrary views, you’re a totalitarian.”
JK Rowling posted in response to Charlie Kirk’s death
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The author’s final point addressed political violence directly: “If you believe political opponents should be punished with violence or death, you’re a terrorist.”
The 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA was fatally wounded on Wednesday while addressing students at Utah Valley University in Orem, approximately 45 minutes from Salt Lake City.
Mr Kirk was struck by a bullet in the neck at approximately 12:20 pm as he responded to a student’s query regarding mass shootings.
Footage shared across social media platforms captured the moment attendees fled after hearing gunfire, with Mr Kirk visibly bleeding before collapsing.
Adelaide Condie, an 18-year-old student who witnessed the incident whilst standing on a rubbish bin, described seeing Mr Kirk fall after being hit. “Everyone started running, then we all got on lockdown,” she recounted whilst departing the campus.
University officials confirmed the shooting and closed the campus for the remainder of the day.
Although authorities initially detained a suspect, the individual was subsequently released as investigations continued.
President Donald Trump announced Mr Kirk’s death on Truth Social, describing him as “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk.”
Mr Trump praised Kirk’s connection with American youth, stating: “No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie.”
Vice President JD Vance urged supporters: “Say a prayer for Charlie Kirk, a genuinely good guy and a young father.”
Utah Governor Spencer Cox condemned the attack, pledging: “Those responsible will be held fully accountable.”
He emphasised: “Violence has no place in our public life,” and called for unity across political divides in denouncing the shooting.
JK Rowling shared the X post one day after Charlie Kirk’s death
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PAFBI Director Kash Patel confirmed federal agents would assist local authorities in the investigation, expressing support for Kirk’s family and all those impacted by the tragedy.
Ms Rowling’s statement emerged amidst widespread condemnation of the campus shooting from across the political spectrum.
California Governor Gavin Newsom, despite his opposition to Mr Kirk’s politics, called the attack “disgusting, vile, and reprehensible” and insisted Americans “must reject political violence in EVERY form.”
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The shooting occurred during heightened political tensions following summer violence in Utah and Wisconsin.
Mr Kirk’s campus appearances had drawn controversy, with over 6,800 students signing a petition opposing his scheduled visit to Utah State University, citing concerns about his divisive rhetoric.