Carolina Panthers Fire Communications Staffer Over Charlie Kirk Murder Post

The Carolina Panthers fired Charlie Rock, a football communications coordinator, after he made insensitive social media posts about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk near Salt Lake City. Rock's posts included a rhetorical question suggesting Kirk's death was 'worth it' and referenced the Wu-Tang Clan song 'Protect Ya Neck,' which was widely condemned. The Panthers stated that Rock's views did not represent the organization, emphasized their condemnation of violence, and said they took the matter seriously. Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA and a Trump ally, was fatally shot while speaking at Utah Valley University, a tragedy that drew significant national attention. President Trump expressed his condolences, honored Kirk, and announced he would posthumously award Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The firing of Rock follows a broader pattern of repercussions for individuals making inappropriate comments about Kirk's death, including other firings across various organizations.