In the wake of the recent assassination of self-proclaimed champion of “free speech” Charlie Kirk, a group of online activists, often referred to as keyboard warriors, have launched a controversial campaign aimed at retaliating against those who criticize him. The initiative, branded under the dramatic title “Expose Charlie’s Murderers,” claims to have amassed over 30,000 social media profiles in just three days, targeting individuals who expressed negative sentiments about Kirk's death.
The website associated with this campaign promises to develop “a searchable database… filterable by general location and job industry,” further intensifying the scrutiny placed on those who dare to speak against Kirk. This online effort was catalyzed by fellow far-right activist Laura Loomer, who announced on the platform X (formerly Twitter) her intention to “make everyone I find online who celebrates his death famous.” The campaign has drawn significant attention, with contributors sharing their experiences and frustrations on social media, earning the derisive nickname “Nazi Karens.”
Olivia Krolczyk, one of the campaign's participants and a self-described “Catholic, Patriot, Public Speaker,” took to X to share her progress. “I’ve officially contacted 471 employers. Still more to do. My fingers hurt. My eyes hurt. I’ve never had screen time this high,” she wrote, underscoring the emotional toll of her actions. Krolczyk defended her stance by asserting her right to pursue the firing of those who criticize Kirk, claiming it falls under the umbrella of “free speech.” However, her efforts drew backlash, with comments such as, “And you think you’re a Catholic patriot? Shut up Nazi Karen,” flooding the platform.
Another activist, Scott Presler, noted for his involvement in political campaigns, appears to be encouraging Kirk supporters to target businesses owned by critics. His ambiguous comments about a New York-based IT company raised eyebrows, suggesting potential repercussions for those who speak out against Kirk. Meanwhile, Matt Wallace, a crypto promoter and conspiracy theorist, claimed that he and his team had successfully gotten “at least 25 people fired from their jobs for celebrating the assassination of Charlie Kirk,” further fueling the online firestorm.
The fallout from this campaign has already been significant, with several high-profile firings reported. MSNBC contributor Matthew Dowd was dismissed after insinuating that Kirk’s inflammatory rhetoric may have contributed to the environment that led to his assassination. Additionally, multiple professors from Middle Tennessee State University, Cumberland University, and the University of Mississippi have lost their positions due to online comments related to Kirk.
In a surprising move, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has directed Pentagon staff to seek out negative posts about Kirk from active military personnel, while the Trump administration has vowed to take action against “foreigners” who are perceived to be “praising, rationalizing or making light of” the tragic event. However, the targets of these efforts are not remaining silent. Aaron Sharpe, owner of a popular barbecue restaurant chain in Ohio, responded defiantly after facing backlash for calling Kirk a “piece of s--t.” He emphasized that threats of social media attacks would not silence his beliefs.
The discourse surrounding this campaign has prompted many to point out the apparent hypocrisy among Kirk’s supporters. Kirk had long positioned his inflammatory rhetoric within the context of defending First Amendment rights, yet his supporters now appear to be engaging in tactics that undermine those very principles. As the situation continues to unfold, the lines between advocacy for free speech and online harassment blur, raising critical questions about the implications of such campaigns in the digital age.
