Reports indicate that American citizens are being dismissed from their positions due to negative remarks regarding the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk. This includes individuals such as university professors, political commentators, and those affiliated with NFL teams.
Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist, was assassinated during a campus event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, September 10.
Kirk, aged 31, was a close supporter of US President Donald Trump, who, along with First Lady Melania Trump, extended their ‘sympathies’ to Kirk’s wife, Erika Kirk, and their young children.
A number of celebrities and political figures, including former US President Barack Obama and Trump’s 2024 election opponent Kamala Harris, have offered their condolences.
Both Obama and Harris have denounced Kirk’s killing, and the investigation is still ongoing.
Prominent figures such as horror author Stephen King have made comments deemed ‘insensitive’ by some online users.
King, aged 77, remarked that Kirk allegedly wanted to ‘stone gays to death,’ a statement for which he has issued an apology after Elon Musk labeled him a ‘liar’.
Reuters has shared that campaigners launched a new website titled ‘Expose Charlie’s Murderers’. The site aims to ‘expose’ individuals supporting political violence online.
The website lists the names of various social media users who have allegedly made comments regarding the killing of the father-of-two.
Some individuals listed have their full name, location, employer details, and social media profiles exposed.
According to a Reuters tally, based on personal interviews, public statements, and local press reports, a number of individuals have lost their jobs due to online comments.
Among those dismissed is reportedly political analyst Matthew Dowd, who was allegedly fired from MSNBC after describing Kirk as one of the ‘most divisive’ young political figures.
During a conversation, Dowd claimed the deceased was recognized for ‘pushing hate speech… directed at certain groups’ during his life.
MSNBC president Rebecca Kutler has criticized Dowd’s comments, labeling them ‘inappropriate, insensitive, and unacceptable’ in an apology shared on the company’s X account.
Variety indicated that a network source confirmed the 64-year-old has since been dismissed from his role.
DC Comics has also canceled its new monthly Batman spinoff, Red Hood, after its proposed writer, Gretchen Felker-Martin, appeared to celebrate Kirk’s assassination on social media.
In a statement, DC Comics expressed its commitment to the ‘highest value on [its] creators and community and upholds the right to peaceful, individual expression of personal viewpoints.
“Posts or public comments that can be seen as promoting hostility or violence are inconsistent with DC’s standards of conduct,” the statement added.
Some educators have also reportedly been permanently suspended from their roles, according to NDTV.
One such individual was affiliated with Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), as stated by Sidney McPhee, the institution’s President.
McPhee mentioned that the comments made by the individual were ‘inconsistent with our values and have undermined the university’s credibility and reputation with our students, faculty, staff, and the community at large’.
The employee has ‘been fired effectively immediately’ according to the statement.
Newsweek reported that Charlie Rock, a communications coordinator for the Carolina Panthers, posted an image of Kirk on X with the caption: “Why are yall sad? Your man said it was worth it …”
The NFL organization stated it does not ‘condone violence of any kind’ and they are ‘taking this matter very seriously and [had] accordingly addressed it with the individual’.
Fox News cited a source confirming Rock’s termination.
In an X thread shared by investigative researcher Parker Thayer, up to 60 people may have lost their jobs after allegedly making remarks about the activist’s assassination.
Conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer expressed that anyone who is ‘sick enough’ to celebrate Kirk’s death will have their ‘whole future professional aspirations ruined’ by far-right protestors.
US lawmaker Clay Higgins stated that anyone caught ‘celebrating the heinous murder of that beautiful young man’ should be ‘banned from ALL PLATFORMS FOREVER.’
Police have identified the suspect in Kirk’s killing as Tyler Robinson, a native of Utah who is currently being held without bail.
Authorities continue to investigate to uncover a clear motive for the assassination.