The assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on September 10 has triggered a nationwide backlash, reaching far beyond politics. While many mourned Kirk’s death — including public figures from both parties — a wave of firings and social media outrage has followed, targeting individuals accused of making insensitive or celebratory remarks online.
Among the first to face criticism was author Stephen King, who posted that Kirk had “advocated stoning gays to death” in response to claims that Kirk wasn’t a polarizing figure. After Elon Musk called him a “liar,” King deleted the post and issued an apology. But his comment marked the start of a broader online battle over how people were responding to the killing.
A controversial website titled Expose Charlie’s Murderers has begun naming employees, students, and public figures who appear to support “political violence” based on online posts. The site includes names, employers, and social profiles, and several listed individuals have reportedly lost their jobs as a result.
Matthew Dowd, a political analyst, was fired from MSNBC after calling Kirk one of the “most divisive” public figures and suggesting he had helped create the environment that led to his own death. MSNBC labeled Dowd’s remarks as “insensitive and unacceptable.”
Other terminations followed. DC Comics canceled a Red Hood series written by Gretchen Felker-Martin, who had appeared to mock Kirk’s death. Middle Tennessee State University, the Carolina Panthers, and Nasdaq all confirmed the firing of employees who posted dismissive or celebratory remarks about Kirk on social media.
The backlash is intensifying. Researcher Parker Thayer estimates up to 60 people may have lost jobs over their comments. Public figures like Laura Loomer and Congressman Clay Higgins are calling for permanent bans from social media for anyone celebrating Kirk’s assassination, fueling ongoing debate over speech, accountability, and cancel culture.
