Secret Service puts employee on leave for saying Charlie Kirk’s killing was ‘karma’

OREM, UTAH: The US Secret Service has placed one of its employees on administrative leave after a controversial social media post surfaced in the wake of conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s shooting death.

The post, written by employee Anthony Pough, condemned those mourning the 31-year-old Turning Point USA founder and suggested his death was the result of “karma.”

Secret Service launches probe into employee's insensitive remarks on Charlie Kirk's death

In his Facebook post, Anthony Pough shared a clip of Charlie Kirk previously claiming that Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, former Re. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas), and others were “affirmative action picks” who “weren’t smart enough to get in on their own.”

Alongside the video, Pough wrote, “If you are Mourning this guy .. delete me. He spewed hate and racism on his show. Especially when we should be mourning the innocent children killed in Colorado.”

His reference pointed to the recent Evergreen High School shooting that left two students critically wounded.

Pough continued in the post, “At the end of the day, you answer to GOD and speak things into existence. You can only circumvent karma, she doesn’t leave.”

The Secret Service quickly confirmed it was investigating. “The US Secret Service will not tolerate any behavior which violates our code of conduct,” the agency said in a statement. “We are aware of the employee’s social media post from today, and the individual has been placed on administrative leave as we investigate the matter.”

Leaders condemn political violence after Charlie Kirk's death

Charlie Kirk was fatally shot in the neck during a question-and-answer session at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, Septmeber 10, as part of his American Comeback Tour. He was rushed to a local hospital but was later pronounced dead. He leaves behind his wife, Erika Kirk, and their two young children.

His killing shocked both allies and opponents across the political spectrum.

President Donald Trump confirmed Kirk's death in a Truth Social post. “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie,” the 79-year-old wrote. “Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika and family. Charlie, we love you!”

Former Vice President Kamala Harris also issued a statement. “I am deeply disturbed by the shooting in Utah. Doug and I send our prayers to Charlie Kirk and his family. Let me be clear: Political violence has no place in America. I condemn this act, and we all must work together to ensure this does not lead to more violence,” she said. 

California Governor Gavin Newsom, often at odds with Kirk’s politics, called the attack “disgusting, vile, and reprehensible.”

“I knew Charlie, and I admired his passion and commitment to debate,” Newsom said. “His senseless murder is a reminder of how important it is for all of us, across the political spectrum, to foster genuine discourse on issues that deeply affect us all without resorting to political violence.”

Former President Barack Obama added, “We don’t yet know what motivated the person who shot and killed Charlie Kirk, but this kind of despicable violence has no place in our democracy. Michelle and I will be praying for Charlie’s family tonight, especially his wife Erika and their two young children.”