Charlie Kirk death leads to job losses for critics

Following the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on September 10, 2025, at Utah Valley University, several individuals faced significant personal and professional consequences for making critical online posts about him.

Gerald Bourguet, a former sports writer for PHNX Sports, was among those fired after his social media comments describing Kirk as an ‘evil man’ went viral. Bourguet reported that after his posts, his home address was exposed online and he received threatening messages, forcing his family to relocate for their safety.

Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was a polarizing figure in American politics known for his influence on young conservatives. While supporters viewed him as a charismatic leader, critics frequently targeted his stances on immigration, race, and gender identity.