Teal MP Removes Like From Controversial Post on Charlie Kirk Death

Teal MP Zali Steggall faced significant backlash after she liked a controversial Instagram post by Cheek Media co-founder Hannah Ferguson that claimed "violence is sometimes necessary" in reference to the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The post, which described Kirk's killing as having an "irony" due to his political views, sparked outrage because it appeared to condone political violence. Steggall later removed her like and clarified that she did not condone the "horrific political violence" that led to Kirk's death, emphasizing that liking the post did not equal endorsement. She also criticized the conservative lobby group Advance Australia for selectively highlighting her action to stoke division. Ferguson, who plans to run for the Senate, had accused Kirk of promoting a culture of guns and violence, although Kirk had never endorsed violence and was a staunch supporter of Second Amendment rights. The shooting of Kirk, a prominent Trump ally, was described by authorities as a "political assassination," and the incident drew attention to the dangerous polarization and rhetoric surrounding such events.