Actor Ushna Shah is facing online backlash after expressing condolences over the death of American right-wing commentator Charlie Kirk, who was shot dead while speaking at a university event in Utah. While Shah acknowledged her disagreement with many of Kirk’s views, particularly on Palestine, she condemned the brutal nature of his death and extended sympathies to his family.

 

In an Instagram story, Shah wrote that although she found Kirk’s stance on Palestine to be deeply troubling, she was “heartbroken” to witness “a man in his early thirties, a husband, a son, a father of two, be shot in cold blood.”

 

“The children and families of Palestine will always remain my priority to defend,” she added, “yet today I pause in grief at this awful murder. A loss of life this cruel and senseless is devastating, and it is in acknowledging all human suffering that we hold on to our own humanity.”

 

 

Her remarks sparked a fierce reaction online, with critics accusing her of sympathising with someone whose rhetoric, they say, contributed to hate and division.

 

The Balaa actress also shared a series of Instagram stories on how Kirk’s views had changed to reflect a fear that he would be killed by Israel if he “stepped out of line”.

 

 

Charlie Kirk, 31, was a controversial yet influential voice in American conservative politics. A staunch supporter of former President Donald Trump, he was known for his Islamophobic views and hatred for Muslims.

 

Kirk was reportedly answering a question about mass shootings in the US when he was gunned down by a distant assailant. A nationwide manhunt is underway to locate the shooter.

 

President Trump, along with former presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama, condemned the killing and expressed condolences to Kirk’s family. Trump also ordered flags flown at half-mast, calling Kirk “a true patriot who fought for America’s future.”

Kirk’s final words, caught on a livestream just moments before the shooting, were: “We must address violence, but without losing our freedom. That’s the real challenge.”