Originally published September 13, 2025, in Palm Beach Independent.
Editorial
After the Assassination of Charlie Kirk (Sept. 10–13, 2025)
Consequences of advocating for, and celebrating political violence. This moral decline damages civil discourse and threatens democracy.
Archive note: This editorial preserves the original reporting and statuses as of September 13, 2025. References to pending action and planned follow-up belong to the original publication.
Overview
On September 10, 2025, conservative spokesman Charlie Kirk was assassinated during a peaceful speaking event at Utah Valley University. A 22-year-old suspect was taken into custody within ~36 hours. In the immediate aftermath, some public figures and employees began broadcasting and posting messages celebrating or justifying the murder. Employers across many sectors responded by suspending, firing, or otherwise taking disciplinary action.
The Rising Tide of Immorality
The left’s Cancel Culture movement has been targeting virtually every inherent aspect of Western Culture—including its various forms of Christianity, especially teachings on morality and ‘love thy enemy.’ The net effect of this moral erosion is evident in the trend encouraging and praising violence. This dehumanizes groups and individuals, normalizes violent behavior, and erodes the Western norms designed to keep disagreements civilized and nonviolent.
The advent of social media and leftwing radical cable TV programs are amplifying impulsive behavior, violence, hateful speech, and ultimately expelling civil discourse from Western Culture.
Free speech in the United States is protected by the Constitution, in the First Amendment, it protects citizens from government persecution. This right and its protections however do not prevent at-will employers from restricting speech they believe is harmful to their business, violates professional codes of conduct, or erodes public trust. Hence, there are workplace consequences.
Workplace Consequences (Recent Examples)
U.S. Secret Service employee (Anthony Pough)
Celebrated the assassination of Charlie Kirk posting the reference “karma” and calling Mr. Kirk a racist; Mr. Pough was placed on immediate leave; security clearance reportedly revoked pending investigation.
Source: CBS News
Steve Cody, Councilman (Palmetto Bay, FL)
Called Kirk’s assassination a “fitting sacrifice to our Lords: Smith & Wesson.” Consequences: Public backlash; calls for his resignation from local officials (including Florida AG).
Source: CBS Miami
Source: NBC Miami
John Colgan, Cornelius (OR) city councilor & teacher (Forest Grove SD)
Posted that news of Kirk’s death “brightened up my day,” plus additional inflammatory remarks. Consequence: Resigned council seat; placed on leave from teaching job.
Source: KPTV (FOX 12 Oregon)
Source: Portland Tribune
Nasdaq junior employee
Social posts perceived as supporting/celebrating the killing. Consequence: Terminated under zero‑tolerance policy for condoning violence.
Source: Reuters
Carolina Panthers football communications coordinator (Charlie Rock)
Posted comments mocking Kirk’s death on social media. Consequence: Fired by the team.
Source: PRWeek
Source: Charlotte Observer
Las Vegas sports radio producer (Bobby Machado)
Posted celebratory/hateful remarks about Kirk’s assassination. Consequence: Fired by Lotus Communications (parent of FOX Sports Las Vegas/ESPN).
Source: KTNV (ABC 13 Las Vegas)
Source: FOX5 Vegas
Nigel G. Mann, Professional Engineer at South Florida Water Management District
Posted Facebook comments joking about the assassination. Mr. Mann has 900+ followers. Consequence: Pending. PBI will reach out to SFWMD and the Florida Commission on Ethics for comment. We’ll update this story when we have more.
Mark Sivek, incoming Las Vegas Realtors board member
Posted comments on social media regarding the assassination. Consequence: Resigned from incoming board position.
Source: Las Vegas Review‑Journal
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