More than 600 firings and disciplinary actions recorded in the US over posts about Charlie Kirk
In the United States, hundreds of people were fired or subjected to disciplinary action over critical posts about conservative activist Charlie Kirk following his death in September 2025. According to Reuters’ count, as of November 2025, more than 600 such cases had been recorded, although the actual number may be higher.
According to MyJoyOnline, which published a BBC News report, those who lost their jobs included sports journalist Gerald Bourguet. After he published posts criticizing Kirk, screenshots of his posts spread on social media. Bourguet said he was fired by PHNX Sports, his home address was published online, and his family received threats. Fearing for their safety, he left the state with his wife and four-month-old son, later sold his house and moved.
Pressure on employers
After Kirk’s death, far-right commentator Laura Loomer called on his critics to prepare for the loss of their professional prospects. US Vice President J.D. Vance also urged people to report to employers those who, in his words, celebrated the activist’s killing.
Other cases include the dismissal of a Delta Air Lines flight attendant over a post reacting to Kirk’s death and an Office Depot employee who refused to serve a customer seeking to print flyers for a memorial event. In Tennessee, theatre instructor Darren Michael was fired after posting a screenshot of a 2023 article containing Kirk’s statement on gun control. Biologist Brittany Brown in Florida was fired after sharing a meme that satirically played on the activist’s position on gun violence.
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Lawsuits and compensation
Some of the dismissed employees filed lawsuits, alleging violations of their right to free speech. Brittany Brown agreed to a financial settlement of $485,000. Austin Peay University reinstated Darren Michael and in January agreed to pay him $500,000 to settle legal claims.
The University of Tennessee agreed to pay anthropologist Tamar Shirinian $1.9 million as part of a settlement of her lawsuit. She will not be reinstated, and she agreed not to apply for future vacancies at the university. An arbitrator also ordered The Washington Post journalist Karen Attiah to be reinstated with back pay.
Bourguet, who worked for a private company under at-will employment terms, said he has found it difficult to secure a new job in sports journalism. He launched his own podcast but is unsure whether he will be able to earn sufficient income from it. At the same time, the journalist said he does not regret the content or form of his posts, but regrets the consequences for his family and career.
