A congressional staffer from Mexico’s ruling party has resigned following backlash over controversial remarks made on a prominent Mexican television news program regarding the murder of Charlie Kirk, the executive director of Turning Point USA. The incident has sparked significant reactions, leading to a public apology from the news network, Milenio, after the United States’ deputy secretary of state, Christopher Landau, threatened potential visa repercussions against those who make disrespectful comments about Kirk.
The episode that unfolded on Milenio is part of a broader trend where individuals have lost their jobs due to remarks about Kirk, who was a staunch advocate for free speech and a close ally of former President Donald Trump. Kirk was fatally shot while addressing an audience at a university in Utah on Wednesday, which prompted an outpouring of outrage and social media campaigns from conservative commentators and public officials in the United States.
Following Kirk's death, a Saturday morning tally by Reuters indicated that at least 15 individuals had been fired or suspended as a result of their comments regarding the event. Landau, who previously served as the U.S. ambassador to Mexico, issued a stern warning on social media platform X, stating, “foreigners who glorify violence and hatred are not welcome visitors to our country.” He encouraged the public to report any such comments to ensure the safety of the American people.
Among the controversial remarks that drew Landau's attention were those made by Salvador Ramírez, a social communications coordinator for the ruling Morena party. During a roundtable discussion on Milenio, Ramírez stated, “I think if Charlie Kirk lived, he may like what I am about to say, because what I am about to say is very ‘anti-woke’.” He further characterized Kirk’s death as a consequence of his advocacy for the use of weapons, suggesting he received “a spoonful of his own chocolate.” Ramírez condemned Turning Point USA as an “anti-rights, anti-LGBT – practically anti-women – movement.”
After Landau highlighted Ramírez’s comments, he criticized Milenio for promoting such discourse, expressing embarrassment over his earlier association with the outlet. In response, Milenio issued a public statement apologizing for Ramírez’s comments, emphasizing that the network does not condone any expressions of hate or violence. The statement reflected their regret over the upset caused to their audience.
On Friday afternoon, Ramírez issued his own apology, stating that his comments were personal opinions and did not represent the views of the Morena party or Milenio. Later that evening, he officially resigned from his position in the parliamentary group of the Morena party.
This incident is not isolated; others have faced similar consequences for their comments on Kirk’s murder, including journalists, educators, healthcare professionals, and even personnel from the Secret Service and NFL. Historically, the Trump administration has taken action against individuals expressing pro-Palestinian sentiments, highlighting a trend of scrutiny over public discourse.
On a related note, the FBI announced on Friday that they had arrested the suspect believed to be responsible for Kirk’s murder after a two-day manhunt. This development has further intensified discussions surrounding the implications of violence and the discourse surrounding it in both the United States and abroad.
