Michael Knowles: ‘Charlie Kirk would have been President of the United States, but they killed him - what happens next is terrifying’

"We all seem to agree this man would have been President," he told Nigel Farage, adding that "there is no exaggeration in saying he is the most significant political figure of our generation."

The Daily Wire personality emphasised Mr Kirk's extraordinary influence despite never serving in elected office. "He had a bright, bright future but of course, one is not guaranteed another day," he remarked.

Mr Kirk, who founded the conservative youth organisation Turning Point USA, was fatally shot on Wednesday whilst speaking at Utah Valley University. He was 31 years old.

Mr Knowles launched a scathing attack on how progressive media outlets have covered Kirk's assassination, refusing to elaborate on their reporting.

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"The response from left-wing media outlets does not bear discussion because it's so appalling," he told GB News. The conservative commentator suggested these publications had failed to learn appropriate lessons from the tragedy.

His condemnation came as political figures from across the spectrum denounced the killing. California Governor Gavin Newsom, a prominent Democrat who had previously debated Kirk on his podcast, called the attack "disgusting, vile, and reprehensible".

Vice President JD Vance, former Vice President Kamala Harris, and Senator Bernie Sanders were amongst those who condemned the assassination. President Donald Trump confirmed Kirk's death on Truth Social, describing him as "Great, and even Legendary".

Mr Knowles reflected on his personal relationship with Kirk, describing him as a friend who attracted both fierce opposition and devoted followers.

"Charlie Kirk was a personal friend. He had many enemies and admirers," Mr Knowles said, highlighting Mr Kirk's remarkable political impact without ever securing elected position. "What was so astounding about his significance is, he did not hold public office. He never did."

Despite expectations that Mr Kirk would eventually seek the presidency, Mr Knowles noted his friend's effectiveness came through grassroots activism rather than legislative power. "We all expected him to hold the highest office, he was extraordinary effective, and they killed him," he stated.

The commentator emphasised that Mr Kirk achieved his influence without passing legislation or wielding formal governmental authority, instead building his movement through direct engagement with young Americans.

Mr Knowles expressed profound concern about the implications of his friend's murder, warning that future developments could prove frightening.

"This, I think is where something will change. I don't know for better or worse," he told GB News. The commentator stressed that Mr Kirk's approach centred on peaceful dialogue in public forums. "He showed up to public spaces to talk it out."

Describing Mr Kirk as exceptionally mainstream and generous in public discourse, Mr Knowles conveyed both injustice and foreboding about the assassination. "That deep sense of injustice strikes us and a deep sense of dread," he told Nigel Farage.

His gravest warning concerned the rejection of civil debate. "If Charlie's opponents will not tolerate talking out ideas and having a respectful debate, what comes next is terrifying," Mr Knowles concluded.