American and Delta airlines fire pilots and other employees ‘caught celebrating’ Charlie Kirk's death
WASHINGTON, DC: American and Delta airlines are yanking pilots and employees out of service after some were allegedly “caught celebrating” the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.
The bombshell move was announced Saturday, September 13, by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.
“Pilots who were caught celebrating the assassination of Charlie Kirk have been immediately grounded and removed from service by @AmericanAir. This behavior is disgusting and they should be fired. Any company responsible for the safety of the traveling public cannot tolerate that behavior,” Duffy said in a statement.
The clampdown started after social media sleuths flagged a post from one American Airlines pilot. “Sorry you got shot in your fat f***ing forehead. It was just the cost of our liberty," the alleged message read.
American Airlines brings down the hammer
The airline confirmed to the Washington Examiner that it wasn’t looking the other way.
“American Airlines condemns violence of any kind. Hate-related or hostile behavior runs contrary to our purpose, which is to care for people on life’s journey. Employees who promote such violence on social media were immediately removed from service. We will continue to initiate action with team members who display this kind of behavior,” the company said.
No numbers yet on how many pilots are off the schedule, but American is now the second airline forced to take action in the wake of Kirk’s killing earlier this week.
Delta joins the crackdown after Charlie Kirk death
Delta Air Lines had already made its own move on Friday, suspending an undisclosed number of employees over posts about Kirk’s assassination. CEO Ed Bastian said the posts “went well beyond healthy, respectful debate,” and those involved could soon be out of a job.
In a memo titled “A note from Ed: Representing Delta’s values,” Bastian reminded workers that employees are always on the hook to reflect the carrier’s principles of integrity, care, and servant leadership, whether they’re in uniform or not.
“These social posts stand in stark contrast to our values,” Bastian wrote. “Violations of our social media policy can carry meaningful consequences, including termination.”
While the employees haven’t been publicly named, Delta confirmed the internal probe is ongoing. The airline, headquartered near Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, stressed that its brand is built on service, respect, and professionalism.
“It’s essential that we act in ways that uphold our shared values and the human connection that defines us,” Bastian told staff.
Charlie Kirk was shot dead on Utah campus
Charlie Kirk, a firebrand in conservative circles, was gunned down on Wednesday while speaking at a Utah campus event.
Cops say 22-year-old Tyler Robinson opened fire before bolting, sparking a manhunt. He was arrested shortly after and slapped with murder, obstruction, and felony firearm charges.
The Washington Examiner reported Saturday that Robinson had been living with a transgender-identifying partner, who ultimately ended up handing police incriminating text messages that led to his capture.
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