By lighting candles in front of the Palace of the Republic in Banja Luka, dozens of citizens paid tribute to the murdered American conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Alongside Kirk’s photograph, the Serbian and American flags were displayed, while representatives of the institutions of Republika Srpska also attended the gathering.
Among them were delegate to the House of Peoples of the Parliamentary Assembly of BiH Radovan Kovačević, advisor to the President of Republika Srpska Marko Romić, director of the University Clinical Center of RS Vlado Đajić, MP Srđan Mazalica, and president of the Banja Luka City Assembly Ljubo Ninković.
Messages of Solidarity and Condemnation of Violence
Radovan Kovačević said the gathering was a sign of solidarity with Kirk’s family and the American people:
– Patriots worldwide are becoming targets, and no means are spared in the fight against them. Charlie Kirk was killed only because he stood for Christian values, family, and patriotism. Republika Srpska will never be a society that supports violence and fascist methods – said Kovačević.
Political scientist Mario Ćumurović emphasized that Kirk will remain remembered as “a witness of freedom-loving thought and truth,” while Vojislav Savić reminded that Kirk was born in 1993, at a time when, as he put it, “the same media that demonized Serbs supported NATO bombs, and today normalize violence.”
Dodik: “A True Friend of the Serbian People”
President of Republika Srpska Milorad Dodik stated that Kirk was “a true friend of the Serbian people” and that Republika Srpska shares the grief with his family.
– His life should not have been extinguished, as he promoted the idea of Christianity, the importance of family, and love. People like him will remain remembered forever – said Dodik.
Who Was Charlie Kirk?
Charlie Kirk (1993–2025) was the founder and executive director of the organization Turning Point USA, and later launched the initiative Students for Trump, through which he mobilized young people in support of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s campaign.
Known as a vocal opponent of gun control, LGBT rights, abortion, and aid to Ukraine, Kirk regularly spoke at universities and public forums, often engaging in heated debates with opponents.
Kirk was killed on September 10 during a speech in Utah. Tyler Robinson has been arrested by the FBI as the suspect in the shooting. He is survived by his wife and two children.
