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Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist and close ally of US President Donald Trump, was shot dead during a rally in Utah on Wednesday. His death has reignited debate over his polarizing legacy, marked by millions of supporters and critics who often clashed with his views on immigration, foreign policy, and social issues.

Kirk, who co-founded the youth activist group Turning Point USA in 2012, built a reputation as a firebrand speaker on college campuses, where his events drew packed crowds and frequent protests. With 5.2 million followers on X and a popular podcast, The Charlie Kirk Show, he wielded significant influence among young conservatives. Yet, he was equally known for courting controversy.

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Anti-Immigration Comments

Just a week before his death, Kirk caused an uproar by declaring that America does not need more visas for Indians, insisting the country was “full” and should prioritize its own citizens. “Perhaps no form of legal immigration has so displaced American workers as those from India. Enough already. We’re full. Let’s finally put our own people first,” he wrote in a September 1 post on X. His statement came in response to speculation that a US-India trade deal might involve increased visas for Indian professionals.

Operation Sindoor Remarks

Kirk also drew criticism for dismissing the idea of US involvement in Operation Sindoor, the brief but intense four-day conflict between India and Pakistan in May. On his podcast, he framed the issue as a test of whether “every conflict is America’s problem.” He told his audience: “India and Pakistan are on the verge of a war… Pakistan is 100 per cent Muslim. Remember, they sheltered Bin Laden. India is mostly Hindu. They don’t care for each other much at all.” His comments, perceived as simplistic and inflammatory, sparked backlash from both South Asian communities and foreign policy experts.

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Allegations Against Indian Social Media Accounts

On September 4, Kirk echoed claims similar to those made by Trump trade adviser Peter Navarro, suggesting that social media accounts amplifying India’s viewpoint were functioning as “foreign agents.” He questioned whether such activity should trigger registration under the US Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), alleging that some accounts were “obviously being paid to peddle trash from the Indian government.”

Beyond foreign policy and immigration, Kirk regularly waded into debates on climate change, gun rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and civil liberties, often sparking heated exchanges with liberals and mainstream media.