Premier David Eby said Canadians must reject a culture of political violence after the high-profile shooting of American commentator Charlie Kirk.
Eby made the comments at the end of an unrelated event on Thursday, offering condolences to Kirk’s family.
Kirk was an influential right-wing pundit and ally of U.S. President Donald Trump.
The 31-year-old was shot and killed during a crowded event Wednesday at Utah Valley University.
U.S. authorities confirmed Friday a 22-year-old suspect was in custody.
Eby also noted the shooting deaths of a Minnesota Democratic lawmaker and her husband at their home in June.
“I think it’s a moment, as British Columbians, to reflect on how fortunate we are to be here and to really value a political culture where we can disagree strongly, but do so in a way that’s peaceful,” said Eby.
Eby pointed to an incident in June when an incendiary device damaged the front door of a Vancouver building housing the office of MLA and Infrastructure Minister Bowinn Ma. No one was injured and RCMP have said the motive for the incident is unclear.
Eby also denounced threats Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry faced during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“You can agree or you can disagree, but we don’t want this culture of gun violence and political violence to come to Canada and to British Columbia,” said Eby.
B.C. Conservative Leader John Rustad said in a post on social media Wednesday he was “deeply disturbed” to hear of Kirk’s shooting.
“It shouldn’t be a danger to your personal safety to be a conservative — or any kind of political figure or pundit.” said Rustad.
B.C.’s newest political party, OneBC, praised Kirk a “great hero” and “martyr for freedom,” in a statement posted to social media.
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