Punishments Over Comments About Charlie Kirk

After the murder of Charlie Kirk, a political activist and the co-founder of Turning Point USA, on September 10th, there has been controversy surrounding the whole ordeal, including many facing suspensions or losing their jobs due to their comments about him. 

Government officials are trying to push disciplinary measures to those who post or comment “offensive” things about Kirk’s death. Individuals are also expressing that this is violating their first amendment rights and taking away their use of free expression. For example, Erin Coyle, an expert on the First Amendment at Arizona State University stated, 

If a person working for a private corporation is fired based on what they posted because the corporation believes it reflects poorly on them, then there’s no government action there..

Late night show host, Jimmy Kimmel, has had his show suspended and taken off the air for the time being. Kimmel stated that “Many in MAGA land are working very hard to capitalize on the murder of Charlie Kirk.” His words have caused Brendan Carr, a chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, to try and take actions on Kimmel. As well as ABC saying they’re taking action on Kimmel’s show as well. Los Angeles Times also explains the many protesters that have been swarming Hollywood Boulevard with signs over the show’s suspension on September 18th, 2025. However, his show suspension was then lifted and back on air on September 23, 2025.

On the other hand, republicans are angered by the comments said by those mocking or disrespecting Kirk. JD Vance, an American politician and a member of the Republican party stated, “Call them out, and hell, call their employer. We don’t believe in political violence, but we do believe in civility,” he states in an episode of the Charlie Kirk Show. 

Companies like Microsoft and Delta Air have also taken actions on employees who have made “offensive” comments on Charlie Kirk. Microsoft also stated on X, 

Comments celebrating violence against anyone are unacceptable and do not align with our values.

Hopefully, changes will be made for employees who have lost their jobs or suffered more consequences than they should have.

Image Courtesy of Gage Skidmore on Flickr.