Carolina Panthers Fire PR Staffer After Social Media Post Mocking Charlie Kirk

The Carolina Panthers have fired a public relations staffer after the employee posted an Instagram message that mocked right‑wing activist Charlie Kirk following Kirk’s fatal shooting, the team and local media reported.

The Charlotte Observer identified the employee as Charlie Rock, a football communications coordinator. Rock reportedly posted a video of Kirk defending the Second Amendment with the caption, “Why are y’all sad? Your man said it was worth it,” and shared a screenshot of the Wu‑Tang Clan song “Protect Ya Neck.” Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot Wednesday during an event at Utah Valley University; the shooter remained at large, and Kirk was struck in the neck, authorities said.

The Panthers issued a statement on X, formerly Twitter, saying, "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 statement was posted by the team on Sept. 11, according to the post.

The Charlotte Observer later reported that Rock’s role with the team had been terminated. Local and national outlets have reported several instances of public‑ and private‑sector employees facing consequences after social media comments about the shooting.

Kirk’s shooting prompted widespread law enforcement response and public attention; authorities have said the suspect remained at large in the immediate aftermath. Officials have not publicly linked any comments on social media to the ongoing investigation.

The Panthers did not provide additional details about their internal review or the timing of the termination. Teams across professional sports have in recent years disciplined employees for social media posts deemed to violate organizational conduct policies or to promote violence. The league and teams often emphasize that employees’ personal views do not reflect official positions.

Representatives for Rock did not immediately respond to requests for comment. A spokesperson for the Panthers declined to provide further comment beyond the statement posted on the team’s social account. Media outlets that first reported the firing said the move followed an internal inquiry into the post and its potential impact on the club and its stakeholders.

Authorities continue to investigate the shooting at Utah Valley University. Kirk’s death has prompted responses from political figures, campus officials and advocacy groups, and has generated scrutiny of reactions on social media and the consequences faced by individuals who comment publicly about the attack.