WASHINGTON: Republican allies of slain right-wing influencer Charlie Kirk have issued stark warnings against mocking his death while coordinating online campaigns against critics.
At least 13 people have been fired or suspended from their jobs after discussing Kirk’s killing online according to a Reuters tally based on interviews and public statements.
The affected individuals include journalists academic workers and teachers who have faced professional consequences for their online remarks about Kirk’s death.
Organised digital campaigns on social media platform X are actively identifying and publicly shaming those perceived as disrespecting Kirk’s memory.
Prominent Trump ally Laura Loomer warned critics to prepare for ruined professional futures if they celebrated the death while US lawmaker Clay Higgins demanded permanent bans from all platforms.
US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau stated he had directed consular officials to take appropriate action against those praising or rationalising the event on social media.
This response contrasts with previous mockery directed at victims of political violence by some of the same figures including Kirk himself.
Following the 2022 attack on Paul Pelosi Higgins posted and later deleted a photo making fun of the assault while Loomer falsely suggested it was a romantic encounter.
Kirk had publicly joked about the Pelosi attacker days after the incident calling for someone to bail him out and make them a midterm hero.
The campaign continues with a newly registered website Expose Charlie’s Murderers listing 41 names and claiming to process over 20,000 submissions of alleged violence supporters.
Some featured individuals made jokes or celebratory comments about Kirk’s death while others merely criticised his views or quoted his past statements accurately.
One person listed on the site reported receiving threatening calls to their employer forcing them to avoid the office despite not condoning the murder.
Communications professor Jay Childers noted this reflects historical patterns of attempting to control political speech though internet accessibility expands the pool of potential targets. – Reuters
