A councillor in Lancashire, United Kingdom, has stepped down from her position after facing widespread criticism for comments she made regarding the killing of American conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Fiona Wild, who represented the Lanehead ward on Burnley Council as an independent, posted on social media that Kirk’s assassination was “good riddance” and claimed he had “brought this on himself.” The post, which was swiftly deleted, triggered outrage among residents and political leaders.
Burnley Council confirmed Wild’s resignation, stating that it did not condone her remarks and had opened an investigation into complaints lodged by members of the public. Councillor Jamie McGowan, leader of the council’s Conservative group, condemned Wild’s comments as “disgusting,” saying they revealed “a nasty side” and fell short of the standards expected of an elected official. “The lack of humanity shocked many people,” he added, noting that numerous residents had called for her immediate removal.
Wild, a former Labour representative before becoming an independent councillor, has not responded to requests for further comment. The BBC has also reported attempts to contact her. Her remarks came just days after Kirk, a leading figure in U.S. conservative politics and a close ally of former President Donald Trump, was fatally shot on a Utah college campus at the age of 31. The killing sent shockwaves across the United States, with tributes pouring in from political allies and fierce debates erupting over his divisive legacy.
Kirk rose to national prominence as the co-founder of Turning Point USA in 2012, when he was just 18. The student-led movement sought to amplify conservative voices on liberal-leaning college campuses. Over the years, Kirk built a powerful media platform, hosting campus debates and producing a daily podcast where he frequently clashed with critics on issues such as transgender rights, climate change, religion, and family values. His confrontational style won him a loyal following but also made him a polarizing figure.
Meanwhile, U.S. authorities have said investigations into the shooting are ongoing, with no motive established so far. The suspect remains at large, though law enforcement has intensified the manhunt. Officials have also warned that praising or justifying Kirk’s assassination could lead to legal or immigration consequences for foreign nationals, underscoring the gravity of the case both in the United States and abroad.
