Hundreds of US workers lost jobs or faced discipline after posting criticism of Charlie Kirk following his September 2025 assassination. Some secured large settlements while others rebuilt without legal recourse.
Why did employers act against Kirk critics?
After Charlie Kirk was fatally shot on 10 September 2025 while speaking at Utah Valley University, social media posts criticising the conservative activist triggered swift employer responses. Reuters documented more than 600 disciplinary cases by November 2025. Public calls to report critics to their employers came from figures including Vice-President JD Vance, who said days after the assassination: "When you see someone celebrating Charlie's murder, call them out. And hell, call their employer." White House spokesperson Davis Ingle told the BBC that anyone engaging in or endorsing political violence must be condemned. Influential right-wing commentator Laura Loomer warned Kirk's critics to prepare to have their whole future professional aspirations ruined.
Critics argued that some comments crossed into celebration of violence, while others maintained a distinction between criticism and endorsement of murder. Jordan Pace, a Republican member of the South Carolina House of Representatives, told the BBC that cancel culture can be good when applied to those who celebrate political assassinations. Pace had previously called for defunding universities that did not act against employees commenting on Kirk, and one of his posts was re-shared by President Donald Trump. Private employers operating under at-will contracts faced fewer legal barriers to termination than public institutions. Sports writer Gerald Bourguet lost his job covering professional basketball after posts calling Kirk an "evil man" and suggesting he had dedicated his life to hateful causes; his address was exposed and he received threats, forcing his family to flee. Bourguet, then 35 and newly a father, described the sudden loss of a house with a pool and his dream role writing about men's professional basketball.
Which specific comments led to firings?
Actions ranged from direct statements to reposts. Anthropology professor Tamar Shirinian was dismissed after writing that the world was better off without Kirk. A Delta flight attendant lost her job for posting "good riddance." Biologist Brittney Brown was terminated after sharing a meme about Kirk's past remarks on gun violence. Brown told the BBC she was absolutely gutted, saying it was like the entire world flipped on its head in a moment. Theatre professor Darren Michael faced dismissal after posting a 2023 article quoting Kirk on gun rights. Some workers were disciplined for refusing service related to Kirk memorials rather than for personal statements. An Office Depot employee was fired for refusing to print flyers for a Kirk vigil. Reliable figures are hard to come by and the Reuters tally is likely an under-count because not all cases received national or local press attention. The range of triggers showed how even indirect engagement, such as screenshots or reposts, could prompt action from both private companies and public agencies.
What settlements have been reached so far?
Lawsuits by affected employees produced several large payouts. The University of Tennessee paid $1.9 million to settle Shirinian's claim without reinstatement. Brown received a $485,000 settlement, about 12 times her annual salary. Darren Michael was reinstated and obtained $500,000 from Austin Peay State University. Karen Attiah secured reinstatement with back pay from The Washington Post through arbitration after being fired for posts stating she would not engage in performative mourning for a white man that espoused violence. Most successful claims involved public-sector or unionised workers with stronger speech protections. Private-sector employees like sports writer Gerald Bourguet have fewer viable legal options. Brown said all she wanted was her job back and viewed the settlement as wasteful of taxpayer funds since she barely made $40,000 a year. Shirinian accepted a settlement to move forward but expressed regret over lacking a court ruling on the merits. The University of Tennessee and Florida's Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission did not respond to BBC requests for comment on the cases.
How have affected individuals rebuilt their lives?
Bourguet, who lost his role covering professional basketball after posts calling Kirk an "evil man" and suggesting he had dedicated his life to hateful causes, relocated with his family after receiving threatening messages and having his address exposed. He described starting over at age 35 and said his life would never be the same. Bourguet started his own podcast but doubts he can earn enough through it to pay the bills, and leaving the country is now on the table. Brown stated she only wanted her job back and viewed the settlement as wasteful of taxpayer funds. Shirinian accepted a settlement to move forward but expressed regret over lacking a court ruling on the merits. Bourguet said he does not regret what he said but acknowledged the ripple effects on his career, family and son. He has accepted that his old life is over and needs to start a new one. Most individuals interviewed by the BBC said they did not regret their comments, though some acknowledged the personal and professional costs. Brown added that she has a right to say what she wants and that her former employer should have the regrets instead.
Frequently asked questions
Did anyone celebrate Kirk's death?
Some posts expressed relief or satisfaction at Kirk's death. Employers and officials treated these differently from general policy criticism.
Are private employees protected when posting online?
Most private-sector workers in the US are employed at will and can be dismissed without cause, limiting free-speech claims.
Which cases produced the largest payments?
The University of Tennessee's $1.9 million payment to Shirinian was the largest reviewed by the BBC. Other settlements reached $500,000 and $485,000.
Have any workers been reinstated?
Yes. Darren Michael returned to his university post and Karen Attiah was ordered rehired by The Washington Post with back pay.
Do those affected express regret?
Most individuals interviewed by the BBC said they did not regret their comments, though some acknowledged the personal and professional costs.
Key takeaways
Reuters counted more than 600 disciplinary actions after Kirk's death. Settlements reached $1.9 million in the largest public case. Public employees secured stronger legal outcomes than at-will private workers. Several affected individuals relocated or changed careers after termination. No source provided a complete national tally of total cases.
Outlook for remaining cases
Dozens of lawsuits remain pending. Outcomes are expected to hinge on whether employers are public entities or private at-will employers. Long-term effects on employment prospects in polarised fields continue for many who lost positions.