Carolina Panthers Fire Employee Over Insensitive Post on Charlie Kirk Assassination

The Carolina Panthers announced Wednesday they have fired a member of their communications team after he made an inappropriate social media post about the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.

BREAKING: The Carolina Panthers have fired Charlie Rock, of the team’s communications department, for an insensitive post regarding the murder of Charlie Kirk, a source familiar with the organization’s decision tells me. Story to come.

— Scott Fowler (@scott_fowler) September 11, 2025

The employee, identified as Charlie Rock, was terminated after The Charlotte Observer reported on his remarks.

In a statement posted to X, the Panthers said: “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.”

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.

— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) September 11, 2025

The Panthers’ swift action comes as multiple institutions across North Carolina face scrutiny over employees who made callous or celebratory remarks about Kirk’s murder.

At Lake Norman Charter, a teacher has been placed on administrative leave after the school determined their comments online did not reflect the values of the institution. Families were notified in a message condemning the post.

Meanwhile, Gaston County Schools confirmed they are investigating comments made by one of their teachers. District officials said the human resources department is reviewing the matter and that appropriate action will be taken.

The firings and suspensions highlight the professional consequences now facing educators and professionals who publicly mock or celebrate political violence.

Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA and father of two, was assassinated Wednesday while speaking at Utah Valley University. His death has sparked nationwide grief among conservatives and prompted a growing backlash against those in positions of trust who have cheered the tragedy.

Read more: Tennessee University Dean Fired After Saying She Had No Sympathy For Charlie Kirk