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By Kate Plummer
Senior US News Reporter
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Individuals who have posted social media content about Charlie Kirk risk losing their jobs.
According to multiple media reports, pilots, teachers and professors are among those who have been fired or suspended after discussing Kirk's murder online.
Why It Matters
While there has been an outpouring of grief from his supporters after Kirk, 31, was fatally shot at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on Wednesday during a question-and-answer session on campus, there have also been social media posts celebrating his demise, triggering a backlash and disciplinary action from employers.
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The reports of people being fired over their social media content have also raised questions about the line between free speech and permitting hateful content online.
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What To Know
A Reuters report on Saturday claimed that at least 15 people have been fired or suspended from their jobs because of posting about Kirk online. An NPR report said the number is 33.
Those fired include Matthew Dowd, a political consultant who said on MSNBC shortly after the shooting that Kirk had "been one of the most divisive, especially divisive younger figures in this, who is constantly sort of pushing this sort of hate speech or sort of aimed at certain groups." He added: "And I always go back to, hateful thoughts lead to hateful words, which then lead to hateful actions."
Others that have been fired or suspended, according to multiple media reports, include teachers like an individual in Oregon who wrote that Kirk's assassination "really brightened up my day," according to a local news report.
An assistant dean at a Tennessee college and a Milwaukee Next Door employee were also fired, while a FEMA data analyst was placed on administrative leave over Kirk comments, The Washington Post reported.
A Wisconsin high school teacher has been placed on administrative leave after calling Kirk "a racist, xenophobic, transphobic, Islamophobic, sexist, white nationalist mouthpiece who made millions of dollars inciting hatred in this country," according to reports.
American Airlines said it had "initiated action" to address "hate-related" behavior after social media posts circulated alleging a pilot mocked Kirk's death as "the cost of our liberty."
A Secret Service agent wrote on Facebook: "At the end of the day, you answer to GOD, and speak things into existence. You can only circumvent karma, she doesn't leave." As a result, the agency told USA Today that the employee was put on administrative leave and is under investigation.
Meanwhile, a website has been set up that names those who post content about Kirk online. It is not know who is behind the site.
What People Are Saying
Transport Secretary Sean Duffy wrote on X: "American Airlines pilots who were caught celebrating the assassination of Charlie Kirk have been immediately grounded and removed from service by American Air. This behavior is disgusting and they should be fired. Any company responsible for the safety of the traveling public cannot tolerate that behavior. We heal as a country when we send the message that glorifying political violence is COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE!"
Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau wrote: "I have been disgusted to see some on social media praising, rationalizing, or making light of the event, and have directed our consular officials to undertake appropriate action. Please feel free to bring such comments by foreigners to my attention."
What Happens Next
On Friday morning, authorities arrested 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, who was reported to have confessed to the crime to his father. He is in custody accused of aggravated murder, obstruction of justice, and felony discharge of a firearm.
He is expected to make his initial court appearance on Tuesday afternoon, according to the Utah County Attorney's Office.
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