Team USA Responds After Transgender BMX Cyclist Celebrates Charlie Kirk’s Killing

Team USA issued a brief statement Friday after an American transgender BMX cyclist posted social media messages celebrating the fatal shooting of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.

The organization said the views expressed online are those of "current and former national team athletes" and "do not reflect those of USA Cycling," adding that "Chelsea Wolfe has not been a member of the USA Cycling National Team or a member of USA Cycling since 2023." Wolfe had been an alternate on the U.S. women's BMX team at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.

Wolfe, who is openly transgender, shared a series of Instagram stories that celebrated Kirk’s death after he was shot while hosting a question-and-answer event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday. Screenshots and descriptions of the posts circulated online and in media reports. One story reportedly overlaid a news photo with the phrase "We did it!" Another showed a selfie with a thumbs-up and text reading, "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 also reshared a longer message that described Kirk as a "fascist organizer" who spread various forms of hate.

The posts drew condemnation from some figures in and around sport. Tennis Hall of Famer Martina Navratilova described the messages as "sickening" on social media. Team USA's statement, which referenced USA Cycling, did not directly address individual post content or announce disciplinary action.

Kirk, founder of the conservative group Turning Point USA and a prominent supporter of former President Donald Trump, was shot in the neck at the campus event. Authorities said they have taken a suspect, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, into custody. Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said Friday that family members of Robinson told investigators the suspect had discussed disliking Kirk and his viewpoints in the days before the shooting.

Robinson was arrested Thursday night, authorities said, after a family member contacted law enforcement. Officials said Robinson faces charges including aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, and obstruction of justice. Prosecutors have said they will pursue the death penalty if he is convicted. Officials have not announced a motive.

Wolfe made history as the first openly transgender athlete to qualify for the U.S. Olympic team when she was named an alternate for the Tokyo Games. She had transitioned prior to competing in BMX in 2014. Wolfe’s competitive career was effectively curtailed in 2023 after the Union Cycliste Internationale, cycling’s international governing body, issued regulations that banned transgender athletes from participating in women’s competition.

Media reports also recalled earlier controversial social posts by Wolfe, including a 2020 Facebook message in which she said she wanted to burn an American flag during the Tokyo Games. Wolfe’s online commentary in recent days amplified an already heated public debate over politics, free speech and athlete conduct.

The shooting and the online reaction to it have prompted widespread attention beyond conservative media and sporting circles. Kirk is survived by his wife and two young children, according to news reports. Police continue to investigate the circumstances of the shooting, and prosecutors have signaled an intent to seek capital punishment if a trial results in a conviction.

Team USA’s response was limited to its statement distancing USA Cycling from athletes’ individual views and noting Wolfe’s lack of membership since 2023. USA Cycling and Team USA did not provide additional comment on whether they would pursue any sanctions. Chelsea Wolfe did not immediately respond to requests for comment.