Left-wing activist Hannah Ferguson’s contrasting responses to political violence: Charlie Kirk versus Helen Haines

Australian activist Hannah Ferguson has been challenged over remarks that appeared to treat political violence differently after the alleged attack on independent MP Helen Haines. The exchange has drawn attention because Ferguson is seeking election and has called for respectful debate following the attack, while her earlier comments about the killing of US activist Charlie Kirk questioned whether violence can sometimes be necessary.

On 2GB, host James Willis cited Ferguson’s 2025 post saying she was glad Kirk could no longer spread his views, though she did not welcome his shooting, and asking whether violence was sometimes necessary. Ferguson said Kirk had profited from inciting violence, described Haines as a community leader, and said she did not support or celebrate political violence. Haines remains in critical condition after the alleged attack in Wangaratta; doctors have amputated one leg and are trying to save the other. Ferguson plans to contest the lower-house seat of Grayndler as an independent.