More than 600 people were fired or disciplined after making critical comments about the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, according to a Reuters tally from last November, though the figure is likely an undercount. Gerald Bourguet, a 35-year-old sports writer, said he lost his job at PHNX Sports, had his address exposed and received threatening messages after calling Kirk an "evil man" and criticizing his supporters in posts made hours after Kirk was fatally shot on 10 September 2025 while speaking at Utah Valley University. Bourguet and his family fled their state with their four-month-old son, later returned to sell their house and permanently relocated. Employers and public officials backed the punishment campaign, including Vice-President JD Vance, while critics argued that condemning Kirk’s views was distinct from celebrating his death and accused conservative leaders of applying cancel culture selectively. Lawsuits filed by dismissed workers have led to reinstatements and settlements, including $485,000 for Florida biologist Brittney Brown, $500,000 for theatre professor Darren Michael, and $1.9 million for anthropologist Tamar Shirinian. A Washington Post arbitrator also ordered the newspaper to rehire opinion journalist Karen Attiah with back pay. Bourguet, an at-will employee (a worker who can generally be dismissed without stated cause), is unlikely to prevail in a dismissal lawsuit and says he is struggling to find work, has started a podcast and is considering leaving the United States. Despite the consequences, Bourguet, Brown and Shirinian said they do not regret the substance of their comments, although Bourguet regrets their effects on his family and career.