Washington, September 16(HS): US Vice-President JD Vance has called on Americans to report individuals who publicly celebrate the killing of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk, insisting they should face consequences from their employers.

Guest-hosting The Charlie Kirk Show on Monday, Vance said: “Call them out, and hell, call their employer,” arguing that while political violence should be condemned, public glee at Kirk’s assassination crossed the line of civility. His remarks followed growing cases of suspensions and firings of professionals—including pilots, teachers, academics, and even a Secret Service employee—for inflammatory social media posts about Kirk’s death.

Kirk, a prominent Trump ally and outspoken conservative activist, was fatally shot last week during a debate in Utah. His killing has further inflamed America’s partisan divide, with some progressives expressing satisfaction online—a reaction Republicans have branded as dangerous and unacceptable. Florida congressman Randy Fine demanded those celebrating be stripped of jobs and licenses, while Rep. Nancy Mace urged cutting off federal funds to universities that fail to discipline staff over offensive posts.

The fallout has sparked a national debate over free speech, workplace protections, and “cancel culture.” Legal experts note that while private employers in the US have broad latitude to dismiss staff for such comments, public figures pressuring for reprisals could raise concerns over First Amendment freedoms. Critics, including the American Association of University Professors, warned that political retaliation risks curtailing academic freedom and inflaming an already polarized society.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar