Millions of Americans continue to mourn the tragic assassination of conservative Christian activist Charlie Kirk, who was gunned down at just 31 years old. Horrifying video of the fatal shooting spread rapidly across social media, triggering a reaction from his opponents that was almost as chilling as the assassination itself. Instead of grieving the murder of a husband and father, many mocked and celebrated Kirk’s death. For some, that cruelty came with swift consequences: They lost their jobs.
Goodbye, Job
More and more employees across the United States are being fired over their disturbing reactions to Kirk’s murder. The terminations span a wide range of professions, including pilots, flight attendants, university staff, healthcare workers, and retail employees. Some posted derisive memes. Others said Kirk “deserved” to be killed. Some even hailed the shocking event as a political victory.
Within hours, screenshots and videos of the alarming reactions circulated on social media. Employers were tagged, and a wave of firings began.
A nurse at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta was fired for posting: “‘He has kids’ F-ck his kids. F-ck his ancestors, especially the b-tch who birthed him.”
A “sustainability strategist” at Nasdaq Inc. was fired for celebrating Kirk’s death.
An anesthesiologist who worked at Riverside Walter Reed Hospital was fired for "highly inappropriate comments supporting violence” against Kirk.
Those mocking and lauding Kirk’s assassination have learned the hard way that freedom of speech does not mean freedom from consequences.
First Amendment Fights
Many who lost their job for mocking Kirk’s homicide claim their “First Amendment rights” were violated, but they fundamentally misunderstand the amendment’s purpose. The right to freedom of speech prevents the government from censoring Americans – it does not prohibit employers from enforcing standards of conduct.
