The killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk has not only shocked the political world but also triggered a wave of firings across corporate America. From airlines to schools to health care systems, dozens of employees have lost their jobs after making mocking or celebratory remarks about Kirk’s death on social media.
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Airlines Fire Staff over “Unacceptable” Posts
Airlines were among the first to act. American Airlines (AAL) confirmed that several pilots who celebrated Kirk’s killing online were immediately removed from service. The company stressed that “hate-related or hostile behavior runs contrary to our purpose.” Delta Air Lines (DAL) also suspended employees for remarks that “went well beyond healthy, respectful debate,” warning that violations of its social media policy could lead to permanent termination.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy backed the moves publicly, saying that glorifying political violence was “completely unacceptable” and demanding accountability from carriers.
Schools Remove Teachers and Staff
Schools across the country faced similar controversies. Middle Tennessee State University fired an employee within hours of a Facebook post that read: “Hate begets hate. ZERO sympathy.” In Oregon, a science teacher resigned after writing that Kirk’s death “brightened up” his day.
The backlash extended to other districts, including Idaho’s West Ada School District and Clemson University in South Carolina, where staff members were suspended or terminated. Officials said they were “shocked and saddened” by the comments, emphasizing the duty to maintain safe environments for students and families.
Health Systems Take Swift Action
Hospitals and health organizations also moved quickly. The University of Miami Health System said it fired an employee over “unacceptable public commentary,” while Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta confirmed it had let go of a worker for violating its social media policy. Leaders of both institutions highlighted that freedom of speech does not extend to celebrating violence.
Media and Corporates Cut Ties
Media companies were not immune. MSNBC dropped political analyst Matthew Dowd after he linked Kirk’s rhetoric to his death, calling his comments “insensitive and unacceptable.” Dowd later argued he was misinterpreted, but the network stood by its decision.
Office Depot (ODP) fired a Michigan employee who refused to print flyers for a Kirk vigil. Nasdaq (NDAQ) confirmed it had removed an employee over inappropriate remarks, and Microsoft (MSFT) said it was reviewing internal posts after Tesla (TSLA) CEO Elon Musk highlighted negative comments by Blizzard staff. Even DC Comics and Freddy’s Frozen Custard announced firings tied to Kirk-related jokes.
Coordinated Campaign Surfaces
The widespread firings appear linked to a website called Expose Charlie’s Murderers, which published names and screenshots of people who mocked Kirk. The anonymous site claimed to have received nearly 30,000 submissions before going offline, raising questions about coordinated doxxing and the line between accountability and retaliation.
Canadian journalist Rachel Gilmore said she had never celebrated Kirk’s death, yet found herself listed on the site. She described the experience as terrifying, saying she faced a “tsunami” of threats after being targeted.
Key Takeaway
The aftermath of Kirk’s assassination is extending far beyond politics. What began as online mockery has turned into real-world consequences for dozens of workers, exposing how quickly social media posts can escalate into firings, public shaming, and even threats. Companies say they are enforcing standards of conduct, but critics argue the firings reflect a chilling effect on free speech in an already polarized climate.
For those following the market angle, investors can track the companies who have fired people over the controversy on the TipRanks Stocks Comparison Tool. Click on the image below to find out more.
