The assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk has intensified political divisions in the United States. Kirk, 31, was shot and killed Wednesday in front of a large crowd at a university in Utah. Following his death, reactions from both supporters and critics have sparked significant online backlash.

Laura Sosh-Lightsy, an assistant dean at a university in Tennessee, faced severe criticism after posting on social media, stating, "Hate begets hate. ZERO sympathy." Her comment drew immediate condemnation from Republican Senator Marsha Blackburn, who called for her removal from her position. That same evening, the president of Middle Tennessee State University announced the firing of an employee for making a "callous" remark about Kirk.

Kirk was a polarizing figure known for his pro-gun, anti-abortion, and anti-immigrant views. He played a significant role in rallying support for former President Donald Trump during his campaign for a second term. The suspect in Kirk's shooting, Tyler Robinson, was arrested Thursday and reportedly had anti-fascist messages engraved on his bullet casings. This has led many on the right to label him a "far-left" killer.

In the wake of Kirk's death, some of his supporters have taken to social media to identify and target individuals who expressed negative sentiments about him. Conservative influencer Joey Mannarino encouraged followers to investigate those who criticized Kirk, suggesting they contact their employers. This has resulted in job losses for some individuals, including teachers and military personnel.

Both sides of the political spectrum have condemned Kirk's murder. However, Trump quickly attributed blame to the "radical left," despite the ongoing investigation into the shooting. An Oklahoma teacher who commented on social media that Kirk died "bringing out the worst in people" is now under investigation by the state’s Department of Education, which labeled his remarks as "abhorrent."

In a show of support for Kirk, Trump ordered flags to be flown at half-staff and facilitated the transport of Kirk's body from Utah to Phoenix, Arizona, aboard Air Force Two, accompanied by Vice President JD Vance. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has instructed military personnel to identify colleagues who mocked or celebrated Kirk's death.

U.S. Under Secretary of State Christopher Landau expressed his disgust at social media comments that praised Kirk's death, stating that foreigners who glorify violence and hatred are unwelcome in the U.S. He urged individuals to report such comments to the State Department.

Laura Loomer, a far-right figure, has been vocal in attacking Kirk's critics. She publicly denounced a FEMA employee who criticized the decision to lower flags for Kirk, sharing the staffer’s LinkedIn profile and asserting that such individuals should not hold positions of power in the government.