Team USA BMX Cyclist Posts Celebrate Charlie Kirk’s Killing, Sparking Backlash
Chelsea Wolfe, an alternate for the U.S. women's BMX team at the Tokyo Olympics, shared social media messages after the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, prompting responses from sports groups and officials.
A transgender Team USA BMX cyclist posted celebratory messages on social media after the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, according to social posts reviewed by Fox News Digital.
The athlete, identified in posts as Chelsea Wolfe, shared multiple Instagram Story items on Wednesday. One story displayed a USA Today report about Kirk’s death with an animated overlay that read "We did it!" placed over an image of the children's character Dora the Explorer. Another story contained a black screen with the caption "the 'find out' era looks good on him." A separate post showed Wolfe giving a thumbs up with the caption: "Being a Nazi is completely optional btw. He didn't have to do all that, but he did and now he's dead. Don't live your life in a way that the world is better following your death."
Wolfe was listed as an alternate for the U.S. women's BMX team at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 and has competed internationally in BMX freestyle events. Posts reviewed by Fox News Digital also cite a March 25, 2020, Facebook post in which Wolfe wrote, "My goal is to win the Olympics so I can burn a US flag on the podium." Fox News Digital said it sought comment from Wolfe and from USA Cycling but had not received a response.
The social-media posts by Wolfe drew swift attention from activists and organizations involved in women's sports debate, some of whom have been vocal opponents of transgender athletes competing in women's categories. Several prominent figures in that movement issued statements expressing sympathy for Kirk. The Independent Council on Women's Sports (ICONS) posted a message saying, "Our hearts are broken for the senseless assassination of Charlie Kirk. We cannot live in a world where anyone is murdered for having conversations. Charlie was a powerful voice in defense of sex-separated sports and private spaces for women. May we all have his courage to speak up for what we believe in. Rest in peace, Charlie. Prayers for his wife and family at this unimaginable time."
The aftermath of the assassination has also prompted employment consequences for other public figures who commented on the killing. MSNBC dismissed political analyst Matthew Dowd after he suggested on air that "hateful" rhetoric from Kirk may have contributed to his death. The Carolina Panthers terminated Charlie Rock, a member of the team's communications staff, after social-media posts tied to Rock questioned why people were upset about Kirk's shooting and shared a song by the Wu-Tang Clan.
Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot around 12:20 p.m. local time Wednesday on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem as an event involving mostly college students was beginning. Officials said he was struck by a single bullet. Authorities have not publicly identified a suspect.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert Bohls and Utah Department of Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason said investigators obtained what they described as "good video footage" of the person they are seeking and that they believe the suspect to be "of college age." Law enforcement officials have characterized the matter as an active investigation and have appealed to the public for tips.
The posts by Wolfe and the subsequent reactions illustrate how political violence and public commentary intersect with the sports world when athletes hold high profiles on social media. USA Cycling did not immediately respond to requests for comment on whether the federation was reviewing the posts or considering disciplinary action.
The investigation into Kirk's killing remains ongoing. Authorities have said they will release additional details as the probe continues and encouraged anyone with information to contact law enforcement.