Key facts
- Gerald Bourguet was fired from his job after posting critical comments about conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
- Bourguet's address was exposed online, and he received threats, forcing his family to relocate.
- Vice-President JD Vance encouraged calling out and reporting employers of individuals criticizing Kirk.
- Over 600 people were reportedly fired or disciplined for comments made after Kirk's death.
- Several individuals who filed lawsuits over their firings received substantial settlements, including Tamar Shirinian ($1.9 million) and Brittney Brown ($485,000).
- Many lawsuits related to these firings are still pending.
In the aftermath of the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in September 2025, hundreds of individuals faced job loss or disciplinary action for posting critical comments about him online. Gerald Bourguet, a professional basketball writer, described his experience of being fired, having his address exposed, and receiving threats after posting that Kirk was an "evil man" and had dedicated his life to hateful causes.
Bourguet stated that he was bothered by the way Kirk was being eulogized and lionized, given his controversial stances on issues such as race, immigration, gun control, and gender identity. Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was a divisive figure, admired by many on the political right for his ability to appeal to young conservatives, but deeply offensive to his opponents.
Following Bourguet's posts, screenshots went viral, leading to his termination, online doxing, and threats, which prompted his family to flee their home. He is now having to restart his career at age 35, stating, "My life will never be the same after this."
Influential right-wing commentator Laura Loomer warned critics of Kirk to "prepare to have your whole future professional aspirations ruined." Vice-President JD Vance encouraged people to "call their employer" if they saw someone celebrating Kirk's death. White House spokesperson Davis Ingle also condemned any endorsement of political violence. However, critics on the left argued there was a distinction between criticizing Kirk and celebrating his death, accusing conservative leaders of hypocrisy for decrying "cancel culture" while advocating for punishment in this instance.
Republican Representative Jordan Pace suggested that shaming those who celebrated political assassinations was an appropriate societal function. Across the US, both private and public employers acted on pressure campaigns. A Reuters tally found over 600 instances of firings or discipline. Examples include anthropology professor Tamar Shirinian, fired for saying the world was "better off" without Kirk, a Delta Air Lines flight attendant fired for "good riddance," and an Office Depot employee fired for refusing to print flyers for a Kirk vigil.
Some individuals were disciplined for posts that did not directly address Kirk's death but referenced his controversial statements, such as theatre professor Darren Michael, who shared an article about Kirk's views on gun deaths, and biologist Brittney Brown, who reposted a meme satirizing Kirk's gun control stance in light of his shooting.
Numerous lawsuits have been filed by those terminated, arguing violations of free speech rights. These have resulted in significant payouts, including a $1.9 million settlement for Shirinian, $500,000 for Michael, and $485,000 for Brown. Opinion journalist Karen Attiah was ordered to be rehired with back pay by an arbitrator. However, many employees, particularly in the private sector working under "at-will" contracts, have fewer protections, and even those who won settlements expressed that it did not feel like justice.