Kirk’s assassination is not a one-off, but part of a disturbing trend fuelled by America’s toxic politics and entrenched gun culture. Political figures from both the left and right of US politics have been targeted.

Three months ago, a Democrat politician in the state of Minnesota and her husband were shot dead by a masked gunman. Only last year, US President Donald Trump narrowly survived an assassination attempt at a campaign rally which proved a pivotal moment in the 2024 election.

In a video address following the Utah shooting, President Trump condemned political violence and described Kirk’s murder as a “dark moment” for America.

“It’s long past time for all Americans, and the media, to confront the fact that violence and murder are the tragic consequence of demonising those with whom you disagree day after day, year after year, in the most hateful and despicable way possible,” he said.