Controversy Erupts Over Celebrating Charlie Kirk's Death

Tue Sep 30 2025 06:29:04 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Vice-President JD Vance calls for accountability for those celebrating Charlie Kirk's death, urging employers to take action against offending employees, amid criticism over free speech implications.

Following the death of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk, US Vice-President JD Vance has called for those who celebrate his death to be reported to their employers. This has sparked a heated debate over political violence, free speech, and the consequences faced by individuals expressing controversial opinions on social media. Critics argue that such actions threaten civil liberties.

Following the death of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk, US Vice-President JD Vance has called for individuals who celebrate his killing to be held accountable. During an episode of the Charlie Kirk Show, Vance advocated for such individuals to be reported to their employers, stating, Call them out, and hell, call their employer, emphasizing the belief in civility over political violence.

Since Kirk's death, various professionals including pilots, medical staff, and teachers have faced suspension or termination for inappropriate comments made on social media regarding the incident. Critics argue that these actions pose a threat to free speech and employee protections, although US businesses have significant leeway to terminate employees.

Vance's comments were aired the day after Kirk was fatally shot while hosting a debate at Utah Valley University. In his statements, Vance accused left-wing Americans of being more inclined to support political violence and denounced the celebration of such actions as uncivil.

Other Republican lawmakers have echoed these sentiments, insisting on consequences for individuals publicly reveling in Kirk’s demise. Florida congressman Randy Fine demanded that these individuals face termination and exclusion from civil society, while South Carolina congresswoman Nancy Mace called for the Department of Education to penalize schools that fail to act against such employees.

Kirk, known for his devout Christian beliefs and conservative views on gender, race, and abortion, had been a contentious figure, often drawing ire from liberal circles during his public appearances on college campuses.

Those who took to social media to express pleasure at his death have faced repercussions, including a Secret Service employee who lost his security clearance after making disparaging comments online. Additionally, Office Depot terminated employees following a viral incident involving protests against printing posters for a Kirk vigil.

The incident has raised questions about academic freedom and freedom of speech, with numerous professors and journalists facing disciplinary actions for remarks made in the wake of Kirk's death. The broader implications of these firings illustrate the current climate of fear surrounding political discourse in the United States.