Supporters visit a memorial for Charlie Kirk at the Turning Point Headquarters in Phoenix on Sept. 11, 2025.

As the nation grapples with the Sept. 10 assassination of Charlie Kirk, some people have found themselves out of a job for their response to the violence.

Public figures, academics and everyday business owners have faced consequences for comments and social media posts that contained celebrations or other musings that attracted swift condemnation. A similar phenomenon happened in the wake of the assassination attempt on President Donald Trump, who in 2024 was campaigning for office.

The backlash continued on Sept. 13, with reports of a Secret Service agent, Office Depot worker, junior Nasdaq employee and a U.S. Marine all on leave or fired in recent days.

"No matter how private your life is, everybody has an audience," said Karen North, a professor of digital social media at the University of Southern California and a psychologist, told USA TODAY in 2024 in the wake of that assassination attempt. "And there’s always an audience for people misbehaving."

Mourners have honored Kirk as a leader in the conservative movement.

"All of us have lost a leader, a mentor, and a friend. Above all, our hearts are with Erika and their two children. Charlie was the ideal husband and the perfect father," Kirk's organization, Turning Point USA, said in a statement. "Above all else, we ask you to pray for the Kirks after the incomprehensible loss they have suffered."

The organization has previously drawn criticism from opponents who found its conservative positions divisive. But leaders from across the political spectrum have condemned the shooting and the escalation of political violence in all forms.

Here's what we know so far about some of the firings, suspensions and other job-related actions in the wake of Kirk's assassination.

MSNBC host fired for comments made on live TV

MSNBC has apologized and reportedly fired analyst Matthew Dowd over on-air comments he made about the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, according to multiple media outlets.

In an interview on MSNBC about the shooting, Dowd called Kirk divisive and said he employed "hate speech" aimed at certain groups.

"And I always go back to, hateful thoughts lead to hateful words, which then lead to hateful actions," Dowd said. "And I think that is the environment we are in."

Dowd posted an apology on X on Sept. 11, writing, "My thoughts & prayers are w/ the family and friends of Charlie Kirk. On an earlier appearance on MSNBC I was asked a question on the environment we are in. I apologize for my tone and words."

Dean fired from Tennessee university over social media post

Middle Tennessee State University's former assistant dean of students was fired after she made "inappropriate and callous comments," according to a university statement. The comments came to light after U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn reposted a screenshot of the comments the dean made online about the assassination, according to a previous USA TODAY report.

"This person should be ashamed of her post," the senator, who recently announced her run for Tennessee governor, said in a post on X. "She should be removed from her position at @MTSU."

"The comments by this employee, who worked in a position of trust directly with students, were inconsistent with our values and have undermined the university’s credibility and reputation with our students, faculty, staff and the community at large," the university said in a statement published on its website.

Ole Miss fires employee over social media post

University of Mississippi Chancellor Glenn F. Boyce said an employee was let go on Thursday, Sept. 11, due to comments regarding the assassination.

He said in a statement that an unidentified employee shared "hurtful, insensitive comments on social media" after Kirk was killed. The Jackson, Mississippi, Clarion-Ledger, part of the USA TODAY Network, reported that social media posts including from the state's auditor, Shad White, cited screenshots of an Instagram post from an account attributed to Lauren Uncapher Stokes that called Kirk a white supremacist and "reimagined Klan member."

USA TODAY reached out via the Instagram account referenced by White, but did not immediately receive a response. White shared a post identifying Stokes as an executive assistant to the school's vice chancellor.

Panthers fire employee over social media post

The Carolina Panthers' communications coordinator was reportedly fired for Instagram posts apparently referencing Kirk's slaying.

The team posted on X on Sept. 11: "The views expressed by our employees are their own and do not represent those of the Carolina Panthers. We do not condone violence of any kind. We are taking this matter very seriously and have accordingly addressed it with the individual."

Cincinnati restaurant loses contract over post by owner

Lucius Q, a barbecue restaurant in Cincinnati, lost its contract with the local stadium, TQL Stadium, after the owner, Aaron Sharpe, commented on a Facebook post about Kirk's assassination.

The original post said "Praying for Charlie Kirk," reported the Enquirer, a part of the USA TODAY Network.

"Good riddance," said Sharpe's reply, referring to Kirk with an expletive.

Lucius Q announced on its Facebook page at 8 p.m. Sept. 11 that Sharpe is no longer associated with the restaurant. "We found the comments he made on his personal social media pages offensive and, as a result, have severed ties with him," the statement said, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer, part of the USA TODAY Network.

The Enquirer attempted to reach Sharpe through phone calls, an email and a Facebook message but did not receive an immediate response.

Contributing: Thao Nguyen, Jeanine Santucci, Joey Garrison, Fernando Cervantes Jr., Jay Stahl and Natalie Neysa Alund, USA TODAY; Erin Glynn, Cincinnati Enquirer; Bonnie Bolden, Mississippi Clarion Ledger

Phaedra Trethan is a national correspondent with USA TODAY. Contact her via email at ptrethan@usatoday.com

Julia Gomez is a Trending reporter for USA TODAY. Connect with her on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at jgomez@gannett.com

Melina Khan is a national trending reporter for USA TODAY. She can be reached at melina.khan@usatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Multiple people lose jobs after posts, comments about Charlie Kirk assassination

Reporting by Julia Gomez, Melina Khan and Phaedra Trethan, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect