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Actor Ushna Shah expressed grief over the death of American right-wing political commentator Charlie Kirk, who was shot while addressing students at a university campus in the US state of Utah on Wednesday. Kirk, 31, is survived by his wife and two children.

Shah posted a story on Instagram saying she “disagreed with many of [Kirk’s] views, especially on [Palestine],” which she called the “most fundamental cause of our time”. However, she said, “watching a man in his early thirties, a husband, a son, a father of two, be shot in cold blood is heartbreaking”.

Sending prayers to Kirk’s family, Shah said, “The children and families of [Palestine] will always remain my priority to defend, yet today I pause in grief at this awful murder.”

She said, “A loss of life this cruel and senseless is devastating, and it is in acknowledging all human suffering that we hold on to our own humanity.”

Kirk was a polarising figure in the US political landscape. A staunch ally of President Donald Trump, his views on abortion, immigration and gun violence often sparked backlash. Kirk often used events, like the one he was attending in Utah, to debate audience members. He was answering a question on shootings in the US when he was fired upon by a distant assailant. A manhunt for the shooter is ongoing.

President Trump, who had earlier credited Kirk for mobilising young voters during the 2024 presidential election, has ordered US flags be flown at half mast to mourn his death. Former presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama also sent prayers to Kirk’s wife and children and decried political violence.