EU Parliament Rejects Minute Silence for Slain US Activist Charlie Kirk

The European Parliament rejected a request from far-right lawmakers to hold a minute of silence for Charlie Kirk, a slain US conservative activist and ally of President Donald Trump. Swedish MEP Charlie Weimers, who made the request as a stand for free speech, was interrupted and denied the opportunity to hold the tribute due to procedural rules stating such tributes can only be held at the start of plenary sessions. The refusal sparked a chaotic protest, with right-wing lawmakers banging desks in anger while centrist and left-wing members applauded the decision. The incident highlighted tensions within the Parliament over political symbolism and procedural constraints, with critics accusing the body of bias, especially in contrast to previous tributes like that for George Floyd. Kirk, known for his conservative ideology closely aligned with President Trump, was fatally shot while discussing gun violence at a university event. The European Parliament's handling of the tribute request has drawn attention to broader political divides and the role of free speech in such commemorations.