A U.S. Marine was fired after mocking Charlie Kirk’s assassination online as the Pentagon warned it is tracking and disciplining military personnel for such posts.
A U.S. Marine has been relieved of duty after posting on social media that Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist assassinated this week, was a “racist man” who had been “popped.” The Pentagon confirmed it is monitoring military personnel and civilian employees for posts mocking or celebrating Kirk’s death.
“It is unacceptable for military personnel and Department of War civilians to celebrate or mock the assassination of a fellow American,” spokesperson Sean Parnell said on X. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth added, “We are tracking all these very closely – and will address, immediately. Completely unacceptable.”
The Marine Corps said the recruiter’s post “does not align with our core values” and confirmed he had been removed from his role. Right-wing influencers, including Libs of TikTok, amplified calls for disciplinary action. Other posts from military employees branding Kirk a “garbage human” also circulated online.
Army, Navy and Air Force officials signaled that inappropriate posts would face administrative or disciplinary measures.