BBC editor's 'far-right' label during Charlie Kirk funeral sparks backlash

A BBC reporter’s description of Charlie Kirk as “far-right” during coverage of the Turning Point USA founder’s funeral triggered swift backlash on social media Sunday, underscoring the heated partisan punch of a high-profile memorial service.

Kirk, a 31-year-old conservative activist, was fatally shot on September 10 during a campus debate at Utah Valley University. His memorial service was held at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, and drew a large crowd both inside the venue and at overflow sites. The stadium and the adjacent overflow venue reached capacity hours before the start of the program, with tens of thousands seeking to pay their respects as dignitaries from across the political spectrum gathered to speak and mourn.

During the broadcast, BBC North America Editor Sarah Smith described Kirk as having “built a huge and devoted following for his far right views and his eagerness to debate with opponents,” a characterization that quickly provoked online criticism and questions about how media outlets label political movements. Critics noted that an earlier BBC News article on the memorial referred to Kirk as “conservative,” not “far-right.” Political commentator Nicholas Lissack amplified the dispute on X, calling the broadcaster’s framing part of a pattern of perceived media bias and prompting a broader discussion about media language in political coverage.

In Glendale, the memorial gathered thousands of mourners, with some estimates placing more than 200,000 people in line to enter the arena before sunrise and many turned away as capacity was reached. Former President Donald Trump and Vice President (then-candidate) JD Vance joined Erika Kirk, Kirk’s widow, and members of Kirk’s family for a program that featured a procession and remarks from a slate of speakers.

Erika Kirk delivered a deeply personal message, describing her husband as someone who sought to help others and who would want those listening to “save young men just like the one who took his life.” She spoke of forgiveness toward Kirk’s killer, Tyler Robinson, 22, who was arrested two days after the shooting and charged with capital murder. “He wanted to save the lost boys of the West by encouraging them to experience marriage and build a family,” Erika said, drawing a standing ovation and chants of approval from the crowd.

Trump delivered a 45-minute eulogy that praised Kirk’s work and legacy while noting personal differences with him on certain issues. He acknowledged that he could not agree with all of Kirk’s positions, saying, “I hate my opponent, and I don’t want the best for them,” before pivoting to his view of Kirk as a force for conservative causes. Trump also lauded Erika for her strength and thanked Second Lady Usha Vance for supporting her through the crisis.

The memorial centerpiece underscored Kirk’s influence on conservative activism and the broader political movement surrounding Turning Point USA. The organization’s newly appointed chief executive was greeted with a standing ovation as attendees hailed Kirk as a catalyst for organizing young Americans around Christian and conservative values. In the days surrounding the service, prosecutors and administration officials highlighted the case against Tyler Robinson, who faces the death penalty in a state that allows execution by firing squad.

In interviews published in the lead-up to the memorial, Erika Kirk said she did not want to participate in deciding her husband’s killer’s fate, telling The New York Times that she preferred the government to make such decisions. The events surrounding Kirk’s death and funeral have intensified discussions about political rhetoric, media labeling, and the moral clarity many supporters see in Kirk’s public life. As authorities review evidence and mount security for upcoming memorials and political events, observers note the enduring influence of Kirk’s message on a movement that remains deeply polarizing across the national landscape.