South Louisiana firings amid Charlie Kirk assassination fallout
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Charlie Kirk speaks in Florida in 2024. Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images
As the nation continues reacting to Charlie Kirk's assassination last week, some South Louisianans are losing their jobs over online comments about the controversial figure's death.
Why it matters: Ramped-up online rhetoric is resulting in real-world consequences.
The latest: A searchable database its creators claim includes names of people who have posted anti-Kirk sentiments online is making the rounds early this week.
- The site, posted by an anonymous group, is the latest and perhaps most organized example of efforts by some to seek punishments for those who share anti-Kirk commentary. Go deeper.
Zoom in: After a New Orleans firefighter's comments went viral, state Attorney General Liz Murrill issued a statement saying she expects "consequences" for that person. Screenshots show the firefighter said Kirk "should be forced to carry that bullet ... [because] it's a gift from God." They are now under investigation, according to Fox 8.
- An Acadian Ambulance employee was fired for their take on Kirk, saying on TikTok that Kirk "reaped what he [sowed]," the Acadiana Advocate reported.
- Moments before kickoff on Sunday, the Saints honored Kirk with a moment of silence for him and other victims of gun violence.
What they're saying: "We condemn senseless violence," said Saints spokesperson Greg Bensel when asked for insights into how the decision was made to include the moment during Sunday's pregame events.
- Regardless, it drew a mixed reaction. Lafayette reporter Wil Herren said on X the moment elicited both boos and cheers in the Caesars Superdome. Online, some commenters called for the team to "keep politics out of sports" while others drew comparisons to players' taking a knee during the National Anthem.
- The team was one team of many to honor Kirk over the weekend, according to The White House.
The bottom line: Kirk was not an uncontroversial figure, but his particularly brutal and public death is splitting the nation as it grapples with the complexity of his political opinions and the already divisive issue of gun control.