From journalists to NFL staffers, people are being fired for posts celebrating Charlie Kirk’s assassination. See who’s been impacted and why the backlash is growing.
The assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk continues to spark fallout across the United States. Beyond the political shockwaves, ordinary people are now facing serious consequences at work after making social media posts seen as celebrating his death.
The Shooting
Kirk, 31, was fatally shot on September 10 while speaking at a Utah Valley University event. His death drew condemnation from across the political spectrum: Donald Trump and Melania expressed condolences to Kirk’s widow Erika and their children, while even Barack Obama and Vice President Kamala Harris denounced the killing.
But not everyone reacted with sympathy. Online, some public figures and employees posted comments that have cost them dearly.
Stephen King’s Controversial Post
Horror author Stephen King faced backlash after a now-deleted tweet aimed at Fox News host Jesse Watters. Responding to claims that Kirk wasn’t controversial, King wrote:
“He advocated stoning gays to death. Just sayin’.”
After Elon Musk called him a liar, King apologized for the post.
Exposing “Insensitive” Reactions
A website called Expose Charlie’s Murderers has emerged, aiming to identify employees and students who appear to support political violence. The site lists names, workplaces, and social profiles of individuals, and some have already lost jobs.
Firings Across Industries
Several high-profile dismissals have already been confirmed:
MSNBC Analyst Fired: Political commentator Matthew Dowd was terminated after describing Kirk as divisive and linking his rhetoric to a culture of hate. MSNBC’s president labeled the comments “inappropriate and unacceptable.”
DC Comics Pulls Writer: Author Gretchen Felker-Martin lost her role on a new Red Hood series after posts that appeared to celebrate Kirk’s death.
University Staffer Terminated: At Middle Tennessee State University, an employee was fired “effective immediately” after writing she had “zero sympathy” for Kirk.
NFL Employee Dismissed: Charlie Rock, a Carolina Panthers communications staffer, posted a remark online suggesting Kirk’s death was justified. The team swiftly let him go.
Nasdaq Strategist Fired: A junior strategist at Nasdaq was dismissed for comments about the assassination, with the company citing a “zero-tolerance policy” for any endorsement of violence.
Growing Backlash
Researcher Parker Thayer has estimated that as many as 60 people may have lost jobs due to their posts.
Far-right figures are pushing for even harsher accountability. Activist Laura Loomer warned that anyone celebrating Kirk’s death would see their “future professional aspirations ruined.”
Meanwhile, Congressman Clay Higgins called for those making such comments to be “banned from all platforms forever.”
The chilling reality is clear: in today’s digital world, words posted online—even in moments of anger or poor judgment—can have life-changing consequences.
