Firing Wave Targets People Over Charlie Kirk Murder Posts

New York (CNN) — A growing wave of firings and harassment is hitting people whose social media posts touched on the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Messages that criticized or even appeared to celebrate Kirk’s death are being collected and publicized by conservative activists, Republican lawmakers, and a new website calling itself “Expose Charlie’s Murderers.”

The site claims to have received nearly 30,000 submissions and plans to build a searchable database linking names, locations, and industries. While administrators say it is not a doxxing site, posts already published have exposed personal details of individuals, leading to harassment and threats. Prominent far-right figure Laura Loomer also vowed online to make examples out of anyone celebrating Kirk’s death, warning of professional consequences.

Some employers are acting swiftly. Middle Tennessee State University confirmed firing an employee after Senator Marsha Blackburn highlighted a post showing “ZERO sympathy” for Kirk. A public school teacher in South Carolina was also let go after Representative Nancy Mace called attention to their remarks. Private companies such as Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers and the Carolina Panthers have dismissed employees over similar posts.

Even cultural industries are feeling the ripple: DC Comics canceled a newly released “Red Hood” series after author Gretchen Felker-Martin made comments about Kirk’s death, saying the remarks clashed with company standards.

Legal experts note that while public-sector firings can be challenged under free speech protections, private companies generally have wide latitude to terminate employees over public comments. The situation is particularly sensitive for teachers or public-facing workers whose posts appear to condone political violence.

Among those targeted, independent journalist Rachel Gilmore and former Florida data scientist Rebekah Jones say they’ve been inundated with threats since their names and posts surfaced. Gilmore said she never celebrated Kirk’s death and called the last 48 hours “a living hell.” Jones said she’s contacted police over what she described as a “hit list.”

Researchers warn the campaign represents a coordinated effort to punish individuals and intensify political division. Experts say the strategy reflects older conservative initiatives like the “Professor Watchlist,” raising alarms about harassment, doxxing, and the framing of ideological opponents as existential enemies.

Credit: CNN Newsource

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