Trump loyalist Charlie Kirk has sparked debate after sharing a video showing hundreds of Muslims participating in prayer in New York, calling the Democrat city the ‘third world’.
The controversial political activist shared the footage that showed a large group of people gathered in Washington Square Park in New York City for prayer.
‘Import the third world, become the third world’, Kirk posted to his social media while sharing drone footage of the gathering, along with the caption ‘This is New York City, not the Middle East.’
It remains unclear when the video was captured, but Muslims gather in the public park every year to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, the end of the holy month of Ramadan – which occurred on March 30 this year.
Supporters of Kirk, who has advocated for Christian nationalism, backed his post – with many pointing out that the park and nearby arch was founded to commemorate avid Christian and founding father, George Washington.
One wrote: ‘Our founding fathers could never have imagined.’
Another supporter of his added: ‘It must stop!! Otherwise there will be no return from this.’ While a third said: ‘So if we go to Iran and occupy the town square for a Christian prayer. All good?’
And another wrote under the post: ‘But if we worship God in their country we’re killed.’
Kirk shared the footage that showed a large group of people gathered in Washington Square Park in New York City for prayer
Besides the Islamic prayer that took place, other religions have also hosted public prayer throughout New York City
However, some people in Kirk’s comment section said that the scenes were not problematic – and just a sign of the multicultural diversity of the city.
‘I’m not sure why anyone is concerned about this, am I missing something?’ one person said.
Another user came to their defense: ‘What is so wrong in this? Let them pray. There are people of good faith in that crowd who would wish you are blessed regardless of which religion you belong to. Respect other religions.’
Besides the Islamic prayer that took place, other religions have also hosted public prayer throughout New York City.
Last September, thousands of Jewish people in the city gathered to sing Oseh Shalom, the Jewish prayer for peace amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
One of the most iconic symbols of the city, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, is also put on public display in the lead up to Christmas.
The annual Islamic gathering in downtown Manhattan each Eid was started by leaders of the Islamic Center at nearby New York University.
The center’s director Imam Khalid Latif previously told The New York Times: ‘We were just trying to conceptualize space that could fit our growing numbers and be a memorable experience.
‘It can be very affirming knowing that in a city as large as New York, you’re not by yourself, you’re not alone.
‘And it helps people also around us who we share space with, who are our neighbors, to know that we’re Muslim, and we are here as well.’
It comes after Kirk stirred up outrage after saying women should only go to college to find a husband.
He had been taking questions at a Turning Point USA event when a 14-year-old girl asked for his advice on attending college and the pros and cons of higher education.
After the girl mentioned that she was interested in pursuing a career in political journalism, Kirk asked all the young girls in the audience to raise their hands if their top priority is to ‘get married and have kids.’
Kirk is seen here at The People’s Convention hosted by Turning Point Action at The Huntington Place in Detroit, MI on June 15
Many of them did raise their hands, including the girl who asked him the question.
‘Interestingly, I think there is an argument to bring back the MRS degree,’ he said, referencing the slang term for women who go to college solely to find a husband.
‘No seriously. And just be clear that’s why you’re going to college. Don’t lie to yourself, like, “Oh, I’m going and studying sociology.” No you’re not, we know why you’re here and that’s okay!’ Kirk said, grinning.
He specifically cited universities in the Southeastern Conference, many of which are known for being party schools, to find a man.
‘That’s a really good reason to go to college actually, especially an SEC school. You will find a husband if you have the intent to find a husband at Ole Miss,’ he said.
‘I say college is a scam, but if you find your life partner that’s actually a really good reason to go to college.’
His comments did not go over well with critics after a clip of his answer spread online.
‘This poor girl. She asks Charlie Kirk about her goal to be a political journalist and he tells her to go get an Mrs degree,’ author and columnist Jill Filipovic posted on X.
‘Charlie Kirk telling a 14-year-old to go to college just to land a husband? That’s not advice – it’s a time warp,’ another user added.
