The President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, dismissed the request for a one-minute silence in honor of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated on Wednesday at Utah Valley University. The proposal had been submitted by MEP Charlie Weimers of the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) as a symbolic gesture defending freedom of speech. According to Politico, the initiative aimed to affirm that “the right to freedom of expression cannot be revoked.”

Kirk, 31, known for his conservative views and support of U.S. President Donald Trump, was killed while addressing students at Utah Valley University.

The request for a minute of silence sparked controversy. Metsola rejected it, citing parliamentary rules that dictate such gestures must be announced by the President at the start of the plenary session, which had already taken place on Monday. According to the Presidency’s spokesperson, a formal request must be submitted by a political group for a minute of silence to be held.

Instead of the minute of silence, Weimers took the floor to voice his position on the incident and attempted to dedicate the remainder of his speaking time to a silent tribute. However, European Parliament Vice President Katarina Barley interrupted the effort, provoking strong reactions from far-right and right-wing MEPs, who banged their desks and shouted in protest.