Fired or Disciplined for Mocking Kirk's Death: "The Face of Division and Hatred"

U.S. Society Divided Over Kirk's Death: Mourning vs. Criticism Intensifies
Disciplinary Actions Against Mockers Spark Freedom of Expression Debate

After the assassination of Charlie Kirk, a political ally of U.S. President Donald Trump and a right-wing activist, American society has been swept up in a fierce backlash. There have been a series of cases where individuals have been fired or disciplined for making disparaging or mocking remarks about his death, sparking a controversy over freedom of expression.

Charlie Kirk speaking at Utah Valley University in Utah, USA, on the 10th. He was shot and killed shortly thereafter. Photo by AP Yonhap News

According to the Associated Press on the 14th (local time), "In the days immediately following Kirk's death, teachers, public officials, private sector employees, and broadcast panelists have been fired or disciplined," adding, "It is highly likely that additional measures will follow."

The conservative camp is mourning Kirk and responding with a hardline stance. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy stated on social media, "Pilots from an airline who celebrated Kirk's assassination have been removed from flying," emphasizing, "They must be fired." The Department of Defense also announced a "zero tolerance" policy on the 11th, prohibiting military personnel from posting messages that belittle or ridicule Kirk's death.

Far-right influencer Laura Loomer warned on X (formerly Twitter), "I will track down everyone who celebrated Kirk's death and make them famous. I will make sure they regret ever speaking out for the rest of their lives."

Wave of Firings Over Mocking Remarks Intensifies Social Conflict in the U.S.

Charlie Kirk Memorial Space established at Utah Valley University in Utah, USA. Photo by AP Yonhap News

According to a Reuters tally, at least 15 people have already lost their jobs or been suspended due to online comments related to Kirk's death. MSNBC political commentator Matthew Dowd was immediately removed from his program after stating on air on the 10th that "Kirk's death was his own doing."

Conversely, some in the progressive camp have criticized those mourning Kirk. According to the New York Times, actress Kristin Chenoweth, who supported Democratic Party member Kamala Harris, posted on Instagram about Kirk's death, saying, "It's sad. I didn't agree with him, but there were things to acknowledge," only to face fierce backlash from her fans.

The Associated Press analyzed that "the public's tolerance for political differences has been pushed to the extreme in the wake of Kirk's death," adding, "It is not the first time people have lost their jobs over public comments on social media, but these dismissals happened very quickly, raising questions about the rights of employers and workers." The report suggested that this incident could spark a debate over the limits of freedom of expression.