Reaction to the Assassination of Conservative Activist Charlie Kirk Leads to Controversy at Two Tennessee Universities

Turning Point USA Founder Charlie Kirk (Photo by Charlie Kirk)

Social media posts reacting to the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk led to heated controversy at two state universities on Wednesday.

An unknown shooter killed Kirk while he was speaking at Utah Valley University.  Kirk was a strong ally of President Donald Trump and the co-founder of the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA.

Middle Tennessee State University Employee Fired

Hours after the shooting, comments on X from a now-former employee at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) led to condemnation from lawmakers and university leadership.

Multiple X users, including U.S. Senator and 2026 gubernatorial candidate Marsha Blackburn, attacked the tweet from Laura Sosh-Lightsy reacting to Kirk’s assassination.

Screenshot from X

“Looks like ol’ Charlie spoke his fate into existence. Hate begets hate. ZERO sympathy,” wrote Sosh-Lightsy on that shared tweet.

Blackburn responded by calling for the university to fire the employee.

That happened a few hours later.

“An MTSU employee today offered inappropriate and callous comments on social media concerning the horrific and tragic murder of Charlie Kirk. The comments by this employee, who worked in a position of trust directly with students, were inconsistent with our values and have undermined the university’s credibility and reputation with our students, faculty, staff and the community at large. This employee has been fired effective immediately,” wrote MTSU President Sidney McPhee.

University of Memphis Events Questioned

Kirk’s organization, Turning Point USA, has a chapter at the University of Memphis that has sponsored speaking events with activist Kyle Rittenhouse and is planning an event this year with former collegiate swimmer turned activist Riley Gaines.

Following Wednesday’s shooting, State Senator London Lamar, D-Memphis, questioned whether the organization should hold events on campus in Memphis.

Senator London Lamar (Photo by the Tennessee General Assembly)

“The @uofmemphis need to cancel all Turning Point USA events out of fear of violence and threat to public safety. Period,” wrote Lamar on X. “This is all so sad! WOW! Political views shouldn’t lead to violence.”

Senator Lamar’s comments were viewed by 76 thousand X users, and they led to hundreds of responses criticizing them. This included multiple Republican state lawmakers who commented on X.

 “No, Senator. We cannot capitulate to the will of a deranged assassin. Universities must protect free speech. The answer to speech we dislike is not less speech, but more speech – and certainly not violence. Let’s honor Charlie Kirk by defending that principle.” wrote Senator Jack Johnson, R-Franklin.

“What is wrong with you London?! You used to believe in the First Amendment. When you served in the House, we had several spirited but always respectful exchanges. Now your first impulse is stifle the message @TPUSA is spreading because you don’t like it. @uofmemphis better welcome them with open arms, especially after this tragedy. Shame on you,” wrote Representative William Lamberth, R-Portland.

“Out of fear of violence? The 5 most dangerous zip codes in TN are in Memphis and you are worried about @TPUSA! Where is your desire to combat the nightly violence imposed by the 100+ gangs, especially since you vote against every tough-on-crime bill,” wrote House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville.

The University of Memphis has not publicly responded to Senator Lamar’s comments, but she did issue a response to her fellow lawmakers’ criticism.

“What’s so crazy is my colleagues see I said this is all sad and political violence is wrong…yet pushing back on this group having events is wrong? I can’t! I’m convinced no matter what stance I take it’ll always be attacked. Even if it’s about keeping people safe. Shame,” wrote Lamar.