Irish comedy writer Graham Linehan has delivered a stark warning after the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, claiming the killing will only strengthen the movement he represented. The Father Ted creator, who has faced controversy and was recently arrested at Heathrow Airport over social media posts, reacted with fury to the 31-year-old's death on Wednesday. Kirk was gunned down while addressing students at Utah Valley University as part of his American Comeback Tour.

Linehan declared on X: "They just created a million Charlie Kirks." He added bluntly: "They couldn't beat him in debate, so they shot him." The outspoken comedian went further in his condemnation, accusing the modern left of being "antisemitic, homophobic, misogynist, intolerant and violent," before arguing: "Everything they project onto the right, they are themselves." He also blasted those issuing half-hearted condolences, saying phrases such as "I disagreed with him on some things" were a "pointless statement that just distances you from your own humanity".

Kirk's death has shaken both political and entertainment circles.

The conservative firebrand, who co-founded Turning Point USA and was hailed as instrumental in Donald Trump's 2024 election victory, was struck in the neck by a single bullet fired from a rooftop sniper.

Authorities confirmed the shooter, dressed in dark clothing, remains at large.

Kirk is survived by his wife Erika and their two young children - a three-year-old daughter and one-year-old son.

Tributes poured in for the commentator including President Donald Trump,who called him "great, and even legendary," praising his unique ability to connect with America's youth.

Jeremy Clarkson admitted the attack had unsettled him as a journalist, posting: "For the first time in my life, I'm genuinely frightened about being a newspaper columnist."

Talk show host Jimmy Kimmel struck a different tone, urging unity: "Can we just for one day agree that it is horrible and monstrous to shoot another human."

Actor Chris Pratt took to Instagram with a prayer: "Praying for Charlie Kirk right now, for his wife and young children, for our country. We need God's grace."

Piers Morgan branded the assassination "an appalling assault on free speech and democracy".

Meanwhile, Linehan also weighed in on Vice President JD Vance's tribute, describing it as a "beautiful tribute" and praising Kirk as "clearly a political genius" who had achieved extraordinary influence in his twenties.