The fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old conservative activist and close ally of Donald Trump, during a public event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, has sent shockwaves across the United States. Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA and a prominent figure in the conservative movement, was addressing a gathering when he was shot dead.
Tributes poured in across social media, with many offering condolences to Kirk’s wife and children. Alongside the “thoughts and prayers,” there were grim jokes, Nazi comparisons, and even celebratory posts.
For conservatives, Kirk’s killing sparked outrage, with many blaming liberals for the attack. Democrats, on the other hand, largely condemned political violence in general, using the moment to renew calls for stricter gun control.
Staunch MAGA supporter Laura Loomer shared a clip from a TMZ livestream. Loomer called out the entertainment tabloid for a “disgusting” stunt allegedly caught on camera. She accused the outlet’s employees of “cheering 30 seconds before” Charlie Kirk’s death was reported.
“They were happy to hear the news of Charlie Kirk’s death and can be heard clapping and cheering before passing the news to Harvey Levin, who was hosting the stream,” she wrote. Loomer also criticized website founder Harvey Levin, who reported the Utah shooting in a grave tone during the broadcast.
Loomer further labeled the incident a “political assassination” carried out by “the Left.” Meanwhile, media outlet MZ denied claims that its newsroom “erupted in laughter” upon hearing of Kirk’s death.
The incident has fueled conspiracy theories online, amplifying debates over political violence, free speech, and the ongoing gun crisis in the United States.
In another incident, Loomer highlighted Haley Kreidel’s social media posts following Kirk’s assassination. Kreidel shared a video on Instagram depicting a cartoon of Kirk with a bullet hole in his neck, blood pouring out, and the text “Debate This.” She also posted a news headline about Kirk’s death set to the song “No One Mourns The Wicked.”
Loomer demanded action, stating, "Haley Kreidel must be immediately FIRED for the safety of everyone in Nashville, Tennessee, and she must be investigated as well."
She also called out Garrett Temples, who posted about Kirk’s death saying, "he deserved it..." "Another lunatic liberal who needs to be FIRED," Loomer added.
Representative Clay Higgins said Thursday that he plans to use his congressional seat to pressure tech platforms to act against anyone who “belittled” Kirk’s death.
“I’m basically going to cancel with extreme prejudice these evil, sick animals who celebrated Charlie Kirk’s assassination,” he said. “I’m starting that today. That is all.”
Some House Republicans blamed the media for the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, even as party leadership urged members of both sides to lower tensions amid rising political violence in the United States.
Outside the Capitol on Thursday, Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-WI) accused reporters of being "complicit" in Kirk’s killing, which occurred Wednesday during a political event at Utah Valley University.
Under this Republican-led crackdown, officials are targeting individuals and media perceived as celebrating or excusing the attack.
Under this crackdown The US State Department has warned that foreigners who are found “praising, rationalising, or making light of” the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk may face punitive measures, including visa consequences.
(With agency inputs)
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