Atlanta Children's Healthcare Fires Worker Over Social Media Comments About Charlie Kirk

Controversial remarks spark terminations, suspensions as institutions respond to assassination fallout

Natalie C. Frank, Ph.D September 13, 2025

Henrietta Egleston Children's Hospital which is part of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta; Wikimedia Commons [CC BY-SA 3.0]

ATLANTA — Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta says it fired an employee after a social media post surfaced about conservative activist Charlie Kirk following his murder. The hospital says the staffer posted expletive-filled comments on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, soon after news of Kirk’s death was reported. The hospital didn’t name the employee but issued a statement.

“Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta is aware of inappropriate comments made on social media by an employee yesterday. This type of rhetoric is not acceptable for Children’s employees and violates our social media policy. The employee has been terminated,” the statement said.

The fallout reached beyond the the Atlanta children's health network. Delta Air Lines confirmed it suspended multiple employees over comments tied to Kirk’s murder. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said he ordered Pentagon staff to check whether any service members made inappropriate online statements about the shooting.

Kirk, 31, was shot and killed Wednesday on the campus of Utah Valley University. His death prompted nationwide attention and heated debate across political and social lines. On Friday, the FBI announced the arrest of 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, who has been charged as the alleged shooter.

The quick response from major institutions highlights how employers and government agencies increasingly treat social media posts as matters of workplace conduct, public image, and sometimes national security. For many, the episode raises tough questions about free speech, accountability, and the role of online platforms during national crises.