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Delta, American Airlines, and United Airlines suspended employees over social media posts about Charlie Kirk’s fatal shooting, amid widespread condemnation.
People gather during a vigil for US right-wing activist and commentator Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot while speaking at an outdoor event at Utah Valley University, at Madison Square Park in New York City, US. (IMAGE: REUTERS)
Days after the fatal shooting of right-wing influencer Charlie Kirk, several US airlines has suspended employees for their posts on social media related to the incident.
“We were made aware of Delta employees whose social media content, related to the recent murder of activist Charlie Kirk, went well beyond healthy, respectful debate,” Delta CEO Ed Bastian said in an internal memo shared with CNN.
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“These social posts stand in stark contrast to our values and our social media policy, and these employees have been suspended pending an investigation,” Bastian said in the memo.
Besides, American Airlines said that those who shared posts to “promote such violence on social media were immediately removed from service.”
Another airline, United Airlines has also sent a memo to pilots reminding them of the company’s social media policy.
According to CNN, the airline said that it has suspended workers over the last few days.
In a statement, United Airlines said, “We’ve been clear with our customers and employees that there’s zero tolerance for politically motivated violence or any attempt to justify it.”
Meanwhile, at least 13 people were reportedly fired or suspended from their jobs for discussing the killing online, including journalists, academic workers, and teachers, reported Reuters, citing a tally based on interviews.
This comes amid crackdown by the Trump administration to fire those who “were caught celebrating the assassination”.
In a post on X, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said: “This behavior is disgusting and they should be fired. Any company responsible for the safety of the traveling public cannot tolerate that behaviour.”
Several Democratic and Republican leaders have condemned online the fatal shooting of Kirk. However, some people online, including many ordinary people, have been cracking jokes and sometimes celebrating Kirk’s death over his history of bigoted rhetoric.
Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)
September 15, 2025, 18:44 IST
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