Hospital Fires Anesthesiologist Over Disturbing Post on Charlie Kirk’s Assassination

A Virginia healthcare worker has been fired after celebrating the brutal assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk — a move that has sparked outrage among conservatives who say the attack on free speech doesn’t end with Kirk’s murder.

Riverside Walter Reed Hospital in Gloucester, Virginia, confirmed the dismissal on Thursday morning, revealing that one of its contracted anesthesiologists had posted “highly inappropriate comments supporting violence against a public figure” in the wake of Kirk’s death.

The hospital said the anesthesiologist was contracted through North American Partners in Anesthesia (NAPA). “We took prompt action and by mid-morning on Sept. 11, her contract through NAPA was terminated,” Riverside stated. “The individual is no longer affiliated with Riverside Health.”

Her name has not yet been made public.

Charlie Kirk, just 31, was gunned down Wednesday while speaking to students at Utah Valley University in Orem. A father of two and one of President Trump’s most prominent grassroots allies, Kirk’s assassination has ignited mourning across the conservative movement.

Pastor David Engelhardt, who ministered alongside Kirk, said the loss was both spiritual and political: “Charlie stood for faith, for freedom, for the right of young Americans to believe in this country again. Evil tried to silence him, but his voice will carry on.”

In the days since, several businesses have faced backlash after employees and owners mocked or cheered Kirk’s death. A Cincinnati barbecue joint, Lucius Q, announced it had severed ties with co-owner Aaron Sharpe after he commented “Good riddance” on Facebook in response to prayers for Kirk’s family. Screenshots of his post went viral, sparking boycotts and vendors pulling out.

The firings highlight a growing clash between conservative Americans who view Kirk as a martyr for free speech and left-leaning professionals who openly celebrate violence against political figures.

Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) said Friday, “It is sickening that some in our society not only tolerate but glorify violence when it’s directed at conservatives. This is exactly why Charlie fought so hard — because the hatred is real.”

President Trump, who called Kirk “a warrior for America’s youth,” has ordered federal authorities to provide updates on the ongoing investigation into the campus assassination.

Kirk’s death comes at a moment of deep political tension as the country prepares for the 2026 midterms. Conservatives argue that the double standard is glaring — while left-wing violence and celebration of it are excused, any conservative speech is branded as “dangerous.”

“Imagine if a healthcare worker had publicly celebrated the killing of a liberal activist,” said radio host Mark Levin. “There would be nonstop outrage. But when it’s Charlie Kirk, the media shrugs.”

For many, the firing in Virginia is seen not as a resolution, but as another reminder of how deep the cultural divide has become.