Following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in September 2025, hundreds of Americans were fired or disciplined for making mocking or celebratory comments about his death online. A number of those punished have since sued their former employers or authorities, with some securing substantial financial settlements, reigniting debate over free speech protections in the workplace and beyond.

The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) says it is tracking at least 13 related federal lawsuits, with roughly 600 people affected nationwide. Retired Tennessee police officer Larry Bushart, 61, spent 37 days in jail on a $2 million bond after sharing a Facebook post referencing Kirk's death, before charges were dropped and Tennessee settled with him for $835,000 in May. An even larger payout of $1.9 million was approved in June for Dr Tamar Shirinian, a University of Tennessee, Knoxville professor sacked after calling Kirk a "disgusting psychopath" online. Despite their settlements, both Bushart and Shirinian have continued posting provocative content about political figures, including Donald Trump.