Who Is Fiona Wild? Councillor Quits After Controversial Comments on Charlie Kirk’s Assassination

Burnley, UK – September 12, 2025 – A British councillor, Fiona Wild, has resigned after sparking outrage with her reaction to the assassination of U.S. conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Police confirmed that while her remarks upset many, they did not amount to a criminal offence.

What Did Fiona Wild Say?

Fiona Wild, who represented the Lanehead ward in Burnley, posted on Facebook after Kirk’s murder in Utah. She wrote: “I don’t condone violence, but I do think he made himself a target and brought this on himself, so good riddance to not a very nice man! America needs to get rid of the other t*t now.”

Her post was made shortly after Kirk, 31, was shot in the neck while giving a speech about mass shootings at Utah Valley University. He collapsed in front of thousands, including his wife and children.

Police Review and Public Backlash

Lancashire Police confirmed they received complaints about Wild’s post. Officers reviewed the case but ruled that her comments did not break the law.

The controversy drew comparisons with previous cases, such as Lucy Connolly, who was jailed in 2024 for stirring racial hatred online, and writer Graham Linehan, who was arrested last week over posts about transgender issues.

Despite avoiding charges, Wild faced widespread criticism. Jamie McGowan, Conservative leader of Burnley Council, called her remarks “vile,” adding that she showed “a lack of humanity.”

Resignation From Council

Burnley Council later announced that Fiona Wild had resigned from her role as an independent councillor.

A spokesperson said: “Burnley Council does not condone the comments made in that post. Complaints have been received under the Code of Conduct for Members and will be investigated.”

Wild had left the Labour Party last month and was sitting as an independent before her resignation. She describes herself as a trade union activist and has been active with Unison picket lines in support of NHS workers.

Wider Debate Over Online Speech

The case has fueled ongoing debates in the UK about offensive online speech and free expression. Senior police officers have called for changes in the law to better regulate inflammatory political remarks posted online.

Meanwhile, the killing of Charlie Kirk continues to cause international shockwaves, with world leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, condemning political violence.