The assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk has sparked a wave of firings, suspensions and public condemnations across the United States. From teachers and journalists to airline staff and corporate employees, dozens of workers have faced disciplinary action after posting comments that employers, universities or politicians deemed offensive in the wake of Kirk’s death.The response has triggered fierce debate over free speech and political pressure. Supporters of the dismissals argue that mocking or celebrating the killing of a public figure crosses a line, while civil liberties groups warn that the punishments amount to intimidation and risk chilling expression across society.Vice President JD Vance, a close ally of Kirk, urged Americans to “call out” and even report employees who made distasteful remarks. Republican lawmakers have also pressed universities and corporations to remove staff they accuse of glorifying political violence. Critics, however, say the clampdown resembles McCarthy-era blacklisting and undermines constitutional protections.
Journalists, academics and airline staff caught in the backlash
Among the highest-profile cases was Karen Attiah, a Washington Post columnist, who was dismissed for posts on Bluesky that criticised Kirk’s politics and questioned public mourning for him. Attiah accused her former employer of silencing Black voices and bowing to political pressure. MSNBC also cut ties with analyst Matthew Dowd after he suggested Kirk’s rhetoric had contributed to a climate of violence. Dowd later apologised but said the network caved to a “right-wing mob.”The entertainment and corporate worlds have seen similar reactions. Drew Harrison, an artist at Sucker Punch Productions, was dismissed after posting comments about resisting fascism. Nasdaq confirmed it terminated a junior strategist for remarks linked to Kirk’s death, while PHNX Sports fired reporter Gerald Bourguet for refusing to express sympathy for the activist.Airlines have also acted. Delta, American and United suspended or removed workers after discovering posts they said promoted or justified violence. Delta’s CEO Ed Bastian wrote that such content stood “in stark contrast” to company values, while United said it had “zero tolerance for politically motivated violence.” US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy praised the moves, declaring that “anyone applauding the assassination should be fired.”
Universities under fire as politicians demand sackings
College campuses have become a central battleground. Institutions in Tennessee, South Carolina, Mississippi and Florida have dismissed or suspended multiple staff members for social media activity. Clemson University suspended one employee and investigated others after Republicans called for the school to be “defunded.” Middle Tennessee State University fired an assistant dean over what it described as “callous” posts, while Cumberland University removed two staff members for inappropriate remarks online.The University of Mississippi dismissed an employee for resharing comments labelled “insensitive,” prompting criticism from United Campus Workers of Mississippi, which said staff should be free to express private opinions without retaliation. At Florida Atlantic University, professor Karen Leader denied making celebratory remarks, insisting she had only reposted commentary on Kirk’s politics.Civil liberties organisations have condemned the crackdown. The ACLU of South Carolina described the campaign as “harassment” driven by political outrage, while PEN America warned universities were “overreaching” and risking a chilling effect. Kristen Shahverdian, PEN’s campus free speech director, said institutions were “responding to political pressure and social media outrage instead of applying consistent standards.”Still, Republicans insist accountability is necessary. Senator Lindsey Graham argued online: “Free speech doesn’t prevent you from being fired if you’re stupid and have poor judgement.” Representative Nancy Mace urged the education department to cut funding to any university that refused to discipline employees accused of celebrating Kirk’s death.Kirk, founder of the conservative youth group Turning Point USA, was gunned down last week while speaking at Utah Valley University.
