Airlines Suspend Employees Over Posts About Charlie Kirk Shooting

Delta Air Lines and American Airlines have suspended several employees for social media posts connected to the fatal shooting of activist Charlie Kirk. The airlines confirmed the disciplinary actions following growing scrutiny over comments viewed as celebrating the killing.

In an internal memo obtained by CNN, Delta CEO Ed Bastian told staff that some posts from employees “went well beyond healthy, respectful debate.” He added that the comments violated the airline’s social media policy and that the workers involved were suspended pending investigation.

American Airlines issued a similar statement, saying employees who used social media to promote violence “were immediately removed from service.” The airline stressed that such behavior is incompatible with its responsibilities to public safety.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy also weighed in, calling the actions “disgusting” and urging companies to fire employees caught celebrating the assassination. “Any company responsible for the safety of the traveling public cannot tolerate that behavior,” Duffy said in a post on X.

United Airlines addressed the issue as well, reminding its pilots of company social media guidelines. The airline did not specify whether any employees were disciplined, but emphasized that inappropriate online behavior can carry professional consequences.

The suspensions highlight how corporations are responding to political and public pressure to act swiftly when employees’ online comments conflict with workplace policies. With the Trump administration calling for accountability, airlines are under particular scrutiny due to their role in public safety.

Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.