Vice President JD Vance has made waves with his recent call to action following the tragic assassination of political commentator Charlie Kirk. After Kirk’s shocking death on September 10, Vance, a long-time friend of Kirk’s, has asked for a collective effort to report those celebrating his murder, which has sparked both support and backlash.
The Tragic Assassination of Charlie Kirk
Charlie Kirk, known for his controversial views and activism, was fatally shot during an event at Utah Valley University on September 10. The gunman, identified as 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, reportedly took a single shot at Kirk while positioned on a rooftop, in what authorities have classified as a targeted attack.
Kirk’s death sent shockwaves across the nation, sparking heated debates on social media and in workplaces. But what followed added further controversy—an accusation that a medical professional had celebrated the activist’s death.
Nurse Reports Alleged Celebration by Doctor
Lexi Kuenzle, a nurse at Englewood Health, filed a lawsuit against her colleague, Dr. Matthew Jung, after she claimed that Jung had made inappropriate comments regarding Kirk’s death. According to Kuenzle, Dr. Jung allegedly said that Kirk “had it coming” and “deserved it.”
Both Kuenzle and Dr. Jung were initially suspended, but the hospital reinstated Kuenzle after further investigation, while Dr. Jung resigned. The incident drew widespread attention to the power of workplace speech and the potential consequences of political opinions being expressed in professional settings.
JD Vance’s Controversial Call to Action
In response to the comments, JD Vance, who took over the Charlie Kirk Show podcast in his friend’s memory, issued a controversial statement. He urged his supporters to take action when they hear people celebrating Kirk’s murder, saying, “When you see someone celebrating Charlie’s murder, call them out. And hell, call their employer.”
Vance framed this as a call for civility in American discourse, stating, “We don’t believe in political violence, but we do believe in civility. And there is no civility in the celebration of political assassination.”
Backlash and Support
Vance’s comments immediately stirred debate. Critics argued that his call for reporting those who make offensive remarks might contradict the principles of free speech, which are often championed by the Republican Party. Some viewed his remarks as an attempt to impose “cancel culture,” a concept Vance and many of his political allies have regularly criticized.
One viewer on Twitter remarked, “The Vice President of The United States of America is calling for a nationwide cancel culture regime.” Another questioned, “Isn’t cancel culture something the right has been railing against for years now?”
However, Vance did find support, with some arguing that holding individuals accountable for celebrating violence is not censorship but a necessary step for maintaining a respectful and civil society. One commenter wrote, “If you openly celebrate an assassination, don’t cry when people call your boss. That’s not censorship, that’s accountability.”
Employees have reportedly been sacked for refusing to hand out fliers about Kirk’s memorial (JACK GUEZ/AFP via Getty Images)
Cancel Culture and Accountability
The fallout from Kirk’s death has seen several public figures facing consequences for their comments. High-profile figures, including MSNBC analyst Matthew Dowd, have lost their positions for making controversial remarks. Dowd had stated that “hateful thoughts lead to hateful words, which then lead to hateful actions,” following the slaying, a comment he later apologized for.
Other examples include the punk duo Bob Vylan, who faced the cancellation of a gig in Amsterdam after making a derogatory comment about Kirk during their performance. Companies like Microsoft, Delta Air Lines, and Office Depot have also dismissed employees over their unsavory remarks or refusal to engage with memorial efforts related to Kirk.
A Final Farewell
As Kirk’s memorial approaches, with President Trump and other prominent figures expected to attend, the conversation around civility, free speech, and the consequences of expressing political opinions will continue. JD Vance’s call to report those celebrating violence has ignited a debate that reflects broader societal struggles over political discourse in America.
Kirk, survived by his wife Erika and two young children, is set to be laid to rest in his hometown of Arizona on September 21.
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