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Suncor CEO: Despite government's oil-friendly stance, Suncor is not ready to accelerate output growth.
Suncor Energy's CEO said on Wednesday that the company is not ready to increase production plans, despite the large-scale reforms promised by the Alberta and federal governments to boost growth in Canada's petroleum industry. These comments highlight the uncertainty surrounding whether the federal government’s more friendly stance towards the energy sector will translate to increased company investment and a higher output for Canada, the fourth largest oil producer in the world. Suncor's outlook is unchanged since its investor day in March, Rich Kruger, CEO of Suncor, said during a conference call. He added that there's still work to be done to convert last month's Memorandum of Understanding between the oil-sands industry, and government, into legislation. Kruger stated that it is still unclear how the agreement will affect his plans. Kruger and other oil sands CEOs signed a nonbinding agreement with Alberta and Canada in July to set out the conditions for the development of the 'Pathways' carbon capture and storage project. This would reduce greenhouse gas emissions from oil sands. Mark Carney, the Canadian Prime Minister, has endorsed Alberta’s vision for a new pipeline that would export 1 million barrels per day to the Pacific Coast. However his support depends on whether the Pathways project is implemented. Carney's government has been working to mend relations with the Canadian oil industry for a number of years. The industry had fought many of Justin Trudeau's environmental policies. Carney has reversed or diluted many of these policies and promised to accelerate the permitting process for major energy projects. Many of the?proposed policy changes are not yet drafted into legislation. Enbridge, the Canadian pipeline operator, announced last week that it would 'postpone' a planned expansion of Mainline by 250,000 bpd due to oil producers unwillingness to commit significant production increases. Kruger stated that while the tone of the 'Canadian Government is more positive than in the past decade, the company wants to take its time before making any commitments to accelerate their growth plans. Suncor announced in March that it expected to increase its upstream production from 840,000 to 870,000 barrels per day (bpd) by 2028. Kruger stated that Suncor has the option of ramping up more quickly if so desired. He said, "We haven't changed to this mode at all. But we do have flexibility." (Reporting from Amanda Stephenson, Calgary; editing by Nia William)
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Iran Ministry: Iran and Oman have reached an agreement on the coordinates of the route through Hormuz
Esmaeil baghaei, spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, said that Iran and Oman had'reached an agreement on the geographic coordinates of a shipping route across the Strait of Hormuz. A joint announcement is being finalised if certain third parties do not interfere. Baghaei said that such an agreement between Iran and Oman, would not guarantee the security of this strategic waterway. A senior Iranian official and two regional officials told reporters on Wednesday that the proposed deal between Oman and Iran would give Tehran control of ships entering the 'Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz. This is one of the biggest concessions made to Iran yet. Sources rebutted claims by U.S. president Donald Trump, that a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz was imminent. They said important details had to be agreed. Esmaeil baghaei, spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, described the negotiations between Tehran and Muscat as being "professional" in nature and "moving ahead", saying that "the two sides had reached a mutual understanding on the geographic parameters of the route discussed". Baghaei said that, "if third parties don't obstruct this process, then the joint statement between these two countries, which contains the?"main considerations" and "key points of understanding", is in the final stages. Reporting by Elwely Elwelly, Menna ala El Din and Alison Williams. Editing by Ros and Alison Williams.
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Increased Black Sea attacks put pressure on global commodity flow
The Black Sea region is the latest strategic trade chokepoint that has been hit by an escalating conflict. The Black Sea is an important route for grain, crude oil and refined products. The waters of the Black Sea are shared between Russia, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Georgia and Romania. In recent weeks, both Russia and Ukraine have intensified their attacks on the other's agricultural export vessels and facilities in the Black Sea region. Kyiv also increased its attacks on Russian oil tankers. The latest escalation creates another pressure point on commodity markets, already dealing with disruptions in major shipping routes across the Middle East. Kayoko Gotoh, a U.N. representative, told the Security Council last week that "the consequences... are already evident in global agricultural markets." "We cannot allow this dangerous spiral to continue." The U.S./Iran conflict has disrupted oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, and a maritime ban imposed by Houthis in Yemen who are aligned with Iran on Saudi Arabian ports & ships has increased risks for Red Sea shipping. GRAIN EXPORTS STRAINED According to the Infrastructure Ministry, Ukraine reported 35 attacks in July on vessels in port, 22 at sea, and 67 strikes?on port infrastructure. Ukraine is estimated to have targeted dozens tankers that are involved in the Russian oil trade. Already, the escalation has affected trade flows. FESCO, a Russian shipping company, said 'this week that it has suspended new orders for shipments via the Black Sea following a drone attack on one of its ships. Russia has intensified its strikes on civilian vessels and the port infrastructure in southern Odesa, Ukraine. Through this hub, more than 90% Ukraine's agricultural products are exported. Both Russia and Ukraine claim that they only target military targets. More than four years after the end of the war, agricultural products are still Ukraine's main source of export revenues. Kyiv seeks alternative export routes. However, Agriculture Minister Taras Voysotskyi said this week that they will not reach their full capacity until August. They would also only handle about half of the volume normally shipped via Black Sea ports. Trade sources reported that since July 10, shipping activity in the Sea of Azov which leads to the Black Sea has been restricted. This has affected activity at Taman, the main Russian grain port. The export of grain from Novorossiysk and Tuapse continues, but at a lower rate than before. Oil exports have also been affected. In July, Ukrainian tanker attacks damaged several vessels. This forced the temporary suspension of loading operations in Novorossiysk as well as the Caspian Pipeline Consortium terminal (CPC), the main outlet for Kazakh crude. In a report published this week, shipbroker BRS stated that the CPC system was a vital?export route in Kazakhstan. It handles roughly 80% percent of the country's oil exports. Any disruption could have a negative impact on regional supply. Ambrey, a British maritime security company, advised clients that vessels continuing to call at Black Sea port should carry out comprehensive voyage threat assessment and that crews should remain within designated safe muster areas during drone attacks. Stephen Cotton, General Secretary of the International Transport Workers' Federation, a leading union of seafarers, said: "The killings of innocent civilian seafarers are?unacceptable. They cannot be considered 'collateral damages' in order to achieve military goals - this is an immoral precedent and a very dangerous one." BLACK SEA WAR INSURANCE JAMMERS Shipping costs are also increasing due to rising security risks. According to market estimates, the average daily Black Sea oil tanks costs have increased from $200,000 to more than $300,000. According to insurance sources, war insurance costs for port visits to terminals in the Black Sea have increased to 2% of ship value, up from 1% just two weeks ago. Insurance sources say that even small increases can add up to hundreds of thousands in extra costs for each voyage. Niels Rasmussen is the chief shipping analyst at shipping association BIMCO. He said that if the Black Sea volumes continued to be reduced as they have been over the last two weeks, the global dirty (crude) oil tanker volume could fall by 3%. (Reporting and editing by Ros Russell; Additional reporting by George Abbott of The Insurer & Bureaus, with additional reporting from Jonathan Saul)
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Gulf oil exports stable in July but still 40% below prewar level
Shipping data showed that the Gulf countries' crude and condensate oil exports remained largely stable in July, and were about 40% lower than pre-war levels. However, signs of a decline emerged in the second half as fighting intensified in the region. The relatively stable levels of exports have eased concerns over a more severe disruption in supply and offset the drawdown in global inventories. Tanker traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, and Bab el-Mandeb, two of the most important Middle Eastern waterways, remained below the levels seen before the U.S./Israeli war against Iran started on February 28. Kpler reports that crude and condensate oil exports from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Iraq, Kuwait, and Iran increased by just 2% in July compared to June, averaging 10.7 million barrels a day. Kpler data and Vortexa showed that exports peaked between 12 and 13 millions bpd during the first half of this month, before dipping as the fighting between the United States and?Iran resumed. Iraq's exports doubled from June. Kuwait and Iran contributed to the increase, but Saudi Arabian and UAE shipments declined. George Morris, Vortexa analyst, said that nine additional very large crude carriers loaded in July boosted Iraqi Exports. However, flows through Hormuz are slowing as the fighting intensifies. In July, the International Maritime Organization received reports from at least 14 vessels in the region. This is up from 8 in June. Exports are up, allowing some producers to increase production. Kuwait increased crude production in July to 1.971 mbpd from 1.65 mbpd, according to a source familiar with the situation. Saudi Aramco CEO Amin Nasser said on Tuesday that the world has lost over 2.6 billion barrels since the war began. Rebuilding inventories would take 18 months, at a rate 2.1 million bpd. RED SEA EXPORTS SLOPING Last month, Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis stepped up their attacks near the Bab el-Mandeb strait. This caused Saudi crude exports - from the Red Sea port at Yanbu - to slow down. According to Energy Aspects, the Yanbu loadings dropped to 3 million BPD after July 20, from 3.8 millions BPD in April-June. Richard Bronze, co-founder of Energy Aspects, said that many tankers load?at Yanbu without their Automatic Identification Systems transponders on. Others are rerouting through the Suez Canal, and using the SUMED pipe connecting the Red Sea to the Mediterranean in order to avoid the Bab el-Mandeb. Reporting by Enes Tunagur and Ahmad Ghaddar, London. Editing by Tomasz Janovski)
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Increased Black Sea attacks put pressure on global commodity flow
The Black Sea region is becoming the latest strategic 'trade chokepoint' to be affected by an escalating conflict. The Black Sea is an important route for the shipment of?grains,?crude oils and refined products. The waters of the Black Sea are shared between Russia, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Georgia and Romania. In recent weeks, both Russia and Ukraine have intensified their attacks on the other's agricultural export vessels and facilities in the Black Sea region. Kyiv also increased its attacks on Russian oil tankers. The latest escalation creates another pressure point on commodity markets, already dealing with disruptions in major shipping routes across the Middle East. Kayoko Gotoh, a U.N. representative, told the Security Council last week that "the?consequences... are already evident in global agricultural markets." "We cannot allow this dangerous spiral to continue." The U.S.-Iran war has disrupted oil flows through the 'Strait Of Hormuz, and a maritime ban imposed by Houthis in Yemen who are aligned with Iran on Saudi Arabian ports as well as ships has increased risks for Red Sea shipping. GRAIN EXPORTS STRAINED According to the Infrastructure Ministry, Ukraine reported 35 attacks in July on vessels in port, 22 on sea, and 67 strikes against port facilities. In 2025, the vessels were only attacked 14 times. Ukraine is believed to have targeted dozens oil tankers that are involved in the Russian oil trade. Already, the escalation has affected trade flows. The Russian shipping group FESCO announced this 'week that it has suspended new orders for shipments via the Black Sea following a drone attack on one of its ships. In the meantime, Russia has intensified its strikes against civilian vessels and the port infrastructure in the southern Ukrainian hub of Odesa. Through this port, more than 90% Ukraine's agricultural products are exported. Both Russia and Ukraine claim that they only target military targets. Even after four years of war, Ukraine's top export source is agricultural products. Kyiv seeks alternative export routes. However, Agriculture Minister Vitaliy Kval said this week that they will not reach their full capacity until August. They would also only handle about half of the volume normally shipped through Black Sea ports. Trade sources reported that since July 10, shipping activity in the Sea of Azov which leads to the Black Sea has been restricted. This has affected activity at Taman, the main Russian grain port. The export of grain from Novorossiysk continues, but at a slower rate than before. Oil exports have also been affected. In July, Ukrainian tanker attacks damaged several vessels. This forced the temporary suspension of loading operations in Novorossiysk and the Caspian Pipeline Consortium terminal (CPC), the main outlet for Kazakh oil. In a recent report, shipbroker BRS stated that the CPC system was a vital export route for Kazakhstan. It handles roughly 80% percent of the country's oil exports. Any disruption could be a concern for regional supply flows. BLACK SEA WAR INSURANCE JAMMERS Shipping costs are also increasing due to the rise in security risks. According to estimates, the average daily Black Sea oil-tanker cost has risen to more than $300,000 per day, up from just under $200,000 per day a week earlier. According to insurance sources, war insurance costs for port visits to Black 'Sea terminals has risen from around 1% to 2% of the value of the vessel. Even small increases can add up to hundreds of thousands in extra costs per trip. Niels Rasmussen is the chief shipping analyst at shipping association BIMCO. He said that if the Black Sea volumes continued to be reduced as they have been over the last two weeks, the global dirty (crude) oil tanker volume could fall by 3%. (Reporting and editing by Ros Russell; Additional reporting by George Abbott of The Insurer & Bureaus, with additional reporting from Jonathan Saul)
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Tewolde Gebremariam is appointed as the new CEO of Air India
Air India appointed former Ethiopian Airlines Chief Tewolde Gebremariam to its 'CEO' post on Wednesday. The Indian airline is currently struggling with persistent losses, and increased regulatory scrutiny after a fatal crash last year. Gebremariam succeeds New Zealander Campbell Wilson. Wilson was a former Singapore Airlines executive who was appointed in 2022 as the new leader of Air 'India after it had suffered years of decline under state ownership. Air India reported that Wilson had informed Chairman N Chandrasekaran of his intention to step down in this year 2024. The 'Tata Group owned airline is suffering heavy losses, not only because of a heightened regulatory scrutiny following the '2025 crash but also as a result of operational disruptions caused by a conflict in the Middle East. These have increased costs and compounded effects from Pakistan banning airspace.
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Sources say that gasoline and diesel exports to Russia from Belarus reached a new record in July.
According to industry sources, and calculations, Belarusian gasoline and diesel supplies to Russia reached a monthly record in July. Fuel shortages were caused by unplanned outages at Russian oil refineries after months of relentless 'Ukrainian drone attacks. According to industry data and calculations, the Russian gasoline production had dropped early in July, to around 65% the average seasonal consumption. Diesel production had also fallen to the same level as domestic demand. The?Russian Government, in response to rising fuel prices at retail and wholesale, banned diesel exports. However, it allowed exemptions under previous contracts and intergovernmental agreements. Export restrictions for gasoline and jet fuel had already been implemented. Source data shows that gasoline shipments by rail from Belarus to Russia increased 13% from June to 212,000 tons. Diesel deliveries also doubled, reaching 162,000 tons. The total amount of jet fuel delivered from Belarus to Russia in July was 13,100 tonnes, compared with 16,100 tons in June. Belarus provides fuel to Russia from its two refineries that process Russian oil. They have a combined capacity of 24,000,000 tons per year or 480,000 barrels a day. In the first seven months of this year, the total amount of gasoline shipped by rail from Belarus into Russia increased 25-fold compared to the same period in 2025. Diesel deliveries also increased almost sevenfold, to 418 tons. According to industry sources, Russia has also begun importing gasolines from India, Kazakhstan, and Morocco.
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CPC oil loadings fail due to safety concerns and tanker shortages
The Caspian Pipeline Consortium suspended operations several times this week due to safety concerns and a shortage of tankers. This is because the main export route for Kazakh crude has been hit by drone attacks. Since the middle of the last month, the loadings of the pipeline have been disrupted. The pipeline carries around 1.8% of the global oil supply, from Kazakhstan to Russia’s Black Sea Coast. This adds to the supply disruptions linked to the U.S. and Israeli war against Iran. Sources said that the pipeline was only temporarily reopened this week and closed on Wednesday. Shipowners are reluctant to embark on CPC voyages due to the possibility of drone attacks. On Tuesday, the Russian group FESCO halted operations in the area. A CPC Blend seller said it took multiple attempts to find a ship to load a cargo during recent weeks. The Russian Foreign Ministry accused Ukraine on Monday of attacking oil tankers at the terminal for the Caspian Pipeline consortium in Novorossiysk and claimed that Kyiv is trying to destabilise oil markets worldwide. Kyiv did not claim responsibility for the incident or make any comments on why they may have expanded their campaign against Russia by targeting a pipeline which carries crude oil mainly produced by U.S. majors and European oil companies. No one of the eight people we spoke to was able to be identified because they were not authorized to speak in public. The Energy Ministry of Kazakhstan said that it was not considering a total shutdown of CPC operations and that everything was under control. On Wednesday, the ministry still had not responded to a?request for comment. CPC declined to comment. Kazakhstan is a landlocked country that relies heavily on Russian ports for exporting crude oil by sea. This means that disruptions to the pipelines and loading can cause?production reductions. When attacks on tankers increased in July, Kazakhstan's oil production?fell 14% compared to June. Sources said that Tengizchevroil intends to export 100,000 metric tonnes of oil by rail in August to Georgia's Black Sea Port of?Batumi. CPC Blend?differentials are weaker due to disruptions. CPC blend cargoes for August loading were sold at a price nearly $4 per barrel lower than dated Brent last week. This is compared to the premium that was paid a few short weeks ago. Reporting by Robert Harvey, LONDON; and MOSCOW reporters; Editing by Barbara Lewis
SPECIAL RELEASE-The Charlie Kirk Purge: How 600 Americans suffered in a pro Trump crackdown
Lauren Vaughn is a kindergarten assistant from South Carolina. When she saw that Charlie Kirk, a right-wing influential, had been shot during an event in Utah. She opened Facebook and typed a quote by Kirk.
Kirk, in 2023, said that gun deaths were "unfortunate" but "worth it," if they protected "the Second Amendment, to protect our God-given Rights." Vaughn then added, "Thoughts, and prayers."
Vaughn is a 37-year old Christian who has made missionary trips in Guatemala. She said that her request for prayer was genuine. She said that she hoped Kirk's words, in context with the shooting, would prompt her friends to pray.
Rethinking their opposition to gun controls
She thought, "Maybe they will now listen."
Vaughn was fired a few days later. Vaughn was among more than 600 Americans who were terminated, suspended, investigated or disciplined for their comments regarding Kirk's assassination on September 10, according to an analysis of court documents, public statements, reports from local media and interviews with 20 people who had been fired or otherwise disciplined.
Some people were fired for celebrating or mocking Kirk’s death. At least 15 people received discipline for invoking "karma," "divine justice," or variations of "Good riddance"; nine other people were disciplined for saying "Good riddance." One poster said, "One down and plenty more to go."
Some, such as Vaughn say that they simply criticised Kirk's political views.
At least one academic in the pro-Kirk group was placed on administrative leave for threatening to "hunt" down those who celebrated the assassination.
The most comprehensive account of the backlash to Kirk's critics to date, this report traces how local Republican legislators and other influencers mobilized in support of Donald Trump's movement. This story outlines the pro-Trump retaliation machinery that is reshaping American politics. It details its size and tactics, from public humiliation to social media shaming.
Pressure
on employers
Threats to defund institutions. Previous reports have documented how
Trump has purge the federal government
Employees he deems to be opponents of his agenda
Law firms are being targeted for a crackdown
People in the crosshairs of the administration need to be defended.
Sometimes, Americans lose their jobs for speaking out during heated political moments. In 2020, 22 academics lost their jobs.
George Floyd is murdered
According to the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (a group that advocates for free speech), a Minneapolis officer has fired more than 160 people, many for making comments that were deemed offensive. According to Palestine Legal, a group that protects civil rights for American supporters of Palestinian cause, in 2024, after the outbreak of the most recent Israel-Gaza conflict, more than 160 individuals were fired because of their pro-Palestinian activism.
It is notable that Trump, JD Vance, and other government officials have publicly backed the backlash against comments made about Kirk's shooting. This is a dramatic change for Republicans who, for years, have criticized the left's "cancel-culture" -- the exclusion or punishment of people whose opinions were deemed unacceptable.
The supporters of the firings claim that freedom of expression does not mean freedom from consequences. Doctors, lawyers and teachers should all have high standards of conduct.
They said that emergency workers in positions of trust by the public are not included.
Abigail Jackson, White House spokesperson, said in a statement: "President Trump, and the entire Administration, will not hesitate to tell the truth. For years, radical leftists slandered political opponents as Nazis or Fascists. This has inspired left-wing violence. It must stop." She continued: "No one understands the dangers associated with political violence better than President Trump", after he survived his two assassination efforts.
Turning Point USA (the youth movement Kirk founded) said in a press release that it supports the right to freedom of speech. "This includes the right of private employers to decide when an employee has crossed a line and deserves to be terminated." The organization cautioned, however, that while celebrating Kirk's death is "evil and unqualified behavior," respectfully disagreeing to his ideas, values, or statements is every American’s right.
Vaughn filed a federal lawsuit on September 18 seeking her reinstatement. She submitted a
Letter
Vaughn filed a lawsuit against the Spartanburg County school district after it received a letter from its superintendent describing her remarks as 'inflammatory, unprofessional and inappropriate.' The district responded by saying Vaughn was unable to prove the allegations.
s post "a
"Pared to endorse Mr. Kirk’s murder or to indicate that it was ‘worth' his losing his life to defend Americans' constitutional rights."
The district has declined to comment further.
Social media campaigns have been used to punish offenders. They circulate screenshots, names, and phone numbers of employers and messages such as "Internet, do what you want." What follows is usually hundreds of angry and threatening messages. In interviews, several people who were targeted claimed that they received a flood of phone calls. One person recalled getting a phone call every minute of the day. At least two people said that the harassment was so severe they were planning to sell their home.
Julie Strebe lost her job as a sheriff deputy in Salem Missouri after she posted comments about the shooting on Facebook, including: "Empathy isn't owed to oppressors." Later, she said that she viewed Kirk, who she described as an oppressor, because he used his platform to rally white conservative Christians around "racists, sexists, and hateful views."
Strebe says she has installed five cameras in her home to monitor her and her family. She also fuels her vehicle only at night, so as not to disturb her neighbors. Salem is a small town, and moving would mean leaving extended families. But she says the city has become too hostile for her to stay. In an interview, she stated: "I don't think I can ever let down my guard." The Dent County Sheriff's Office declined to comment on Strebe's previous employer.
Many Republican officials are in favor of the punitive campaigns. Some have
Proposed extraordinary measures
The U.S. government has banned those who are deemed to have revelled in Kirk's murder from using social media. The U.S.
State Department revoked visas
The agency has said that six foreigners are "
"We celebrated the horrendous murder of Charlie Kirk."
On September 15, Vice-President JD Vance called on his listeners in a special podcast episode of Kirk to punish those who celebrate Kirk's demise.
Vance said, "Call out their employer, hell, even call them." Vance's Office pointed out comments made by the vice president earlier this year, in which he said: "Where I draw the lines is encouraging violence against politicians."
Academics have compared this backlash with the "Red Scare," an anti-Communist purge which peaked in 1950, when government officials, union leaders, and Hollywood stars were accused of Communist connections. In a climate that was characterized by fear, thousands were investigated. This influenced American politics and culture over a period of a decade. Landon Storrs is a history professor at the University of Iowa. He said that there are "very troubling parallels".
The crackdown has caused concern among several prominent Republicans, particularly after the Federal Communications Commission publicly pressured ABC to suspend Jimmy Kimmel's talk show following his monologue where he implied that Kirk Kirk's killer was a member of the political right. The police have not fully revealed the results of their investigation on Tyler Robinson or his motives. Robinson has not entered a guilty plea to the murder charges and other charges brought against him.
Ted Cruz, a Republican senator, warned in his podcast that allowing the government to decide "what speech is acceptable and what is not" creates a dangerous precedent. He said that while it might be nice to silence voices such as Kimmel, "we will regret it when it is used to quiet down every conservative in America." His spokesperson declined any further comments.
'MASSIVE PURGE THESE EVIL PSYCHOS
Kirk's critics were punished almost immediately.
Right-wing influencers mobilized about 30 minutes after Trump announced that Kirk was dead. Chaya Raichik of the popular Libs of TikTok posted "THIS Is War" on X before highlighting a Massachusetts Teacher who wrote: "Just a Reminder, We're Not Offering Sympathy."
By the end of the night, Libs of TikTok published or reposted 37 professional details, often accompanied with commentary like "absolutely vile," Your tax dollars pay her salaries," or "Would he teach your kids?"
The next day, Libs from TikTok wrote: "It is actually frightening how many of these people are teachers and doctors." We need to purge these evil psychos, who are out to kill us all for having different political views.
Libs of TikTok, in the week following the shooting, shared the profiles and names of at least 134 individuals accused of celebrating violence and mocking Kirk’s memory. They frequently tagged Trump administration officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Attorney General Pam Bondi. The influencer has posted information about disciplinary measures taken against government employees.
"BREAKING! This Marine was Fired," Libs of TikTok wrote on September 12th, a day after calling a Marine Corps Captain out. According to a screenshot shared by the influencer, the officer responded to Kirk's passing with an emoji showing clinking beer cups. The captain refused to comment on the post. Libs of TikTok reported similar disciplinary action against an Army Reserve officer, and an Army Colonel who commented on the death via social media.
The Pentagon and Justice Department released
The following are some statements that may be helpful:
They condemned the celebrations surrounding Kirk's death, but didn't address questions regarding their relationship with Libs from TikTok.
Scott Presler, a right-wing influencer, began to post screenshots of Kirk's comments.
On September 10, he instructed his followers to take a screenshot of every single person who was celebrating. He told his followers on September 10: "You can bet that we will make these people infamous." Presler then shared on X posts about 70 people who commented on the murder, writing in one message, "Almost everyone we posted about - who celebrated Charlie Kirk’s assassination - has been fired." Presler did not respond to comments.
The wave of shootings was a catharsis for many right-wingers who were outraged at the celebrations of the left.
Matt Walsh, a right-wing podcaster who discussed the firings, told his listeners that it was good for them to be humiliated. They would have to live with their consequences the rest of the time. Walsh replied by email: "F**k off."
Video blogger and recovery coach on YouTube
JD Delay expresses glee
He read out the names of those people who lost their jobs because of their remarks.
"I'm having a good time!" He shouted and raised his hands, expressing excitement. Delay said that he believed in "accountability" and "consequences", and that "if publicly saying abhorrent words and getting fired from your work, I will laugh at you."
Sometimes the punishment campaign veered from its original course. In at least five instances, people were wrongly blaming for the comments of others. Another case.
A website that created a blacklist
After receiving tens and thousands of dollars worth of cryptocurrency donations, the website "Expose Charlie's Killers" disappeared. The site's creators could not be identified or contacted for comment.
Online influencers claimed to have received tips from people who wanted Kirk's critics fired. Was unable to verify these figures. Presler, Libs on TikTok, and other right-wing personalities have publicly urged tippers to be patient while they work through the large volume of submissions.
Presler, who wrote "Can't stay up with you all" on X September 12, said: Post your submissions and I will go through them as soon as I can.
The post received more than 2,700 responses a day later.
It is possible that the number of people who were punished for criticizing Kirk was undercounted. Many government and private organizations have not publicly announced terminations or suspensions.
The people who were punished represented at least 45 different states, and a wide range of professions, including doctors, nurses, and police officers, as well as soldiers, pilots, and other professionals.
An Office Depot employee in Michigan was fired for refusing to print Kirk's memorial poster. A Starbucks barista in Ohio lost her job when she was accused of writing a message against Kirk on a mint tea cup.
The barista and Office Depot employee's identities were not known. Office Depot and Kroger, the grocery chain that operates the Ohio Starbucks, condemned the anti Kirk incidents and said that the people involved are no longer employees.
The requests to 21 federal agencies, including Homeland Security, Veterans Affairs, and the Defense Department, for the number or suspensions or dismissals related to the Kirk murder were either ignored, or declined. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence's deputy chief of staff responded to the inquiry on social media by accusing the office of trying "to generate sympathy for the ghouls that celebrate his death."
EDUCATORS ARE ONE OF THE MAIN TARGETS
Teachers, university administrators and academics were the most commonly punished for criticizing Kirk. In the days after the assassination more than 350 education workers, including 50 senior university administrators and academics, three high-school principals, two cheerleading coach and a theology teacher, were either fired, suspended, or investigated.
It is possible that educators are at the forefront of the backlash due to a number of factors. Teachers, as the people tasked with molding young minds, have been portrayed by conservatives for years as ideologues whose goal is to push their students to the left. Teachers' status as taxpayer funded employees made any perceived political commentary particularly explosive.
Six teachers have also spoken out in interviews and public statements. They cited their concern about the prevalence of gun violence in schools across the country, and their anger towards those like Kirk who advocated for widespread access to guns.
Vaughn, a South Carolina kindergarten assistant said she was thinking about this when she posted Kirk's 2023 comment on Facebook, dismissing fatal shootings as a price to be paid to protect gun rights. She said that, like other teachers in the United States, she practiced active shooter drills regularly at her elementary school. She saw the fear on her 5-year-olds faces as they learned to hide from a armed gunman.
She told a friend on Facebook that the day Kirk was killed, she had "no satisfaction" with the murder. She said: "Just heartbreak and hope for anyone and everyone affected by gun violence, and that one day enough will be enough." Later, she told a friend that her message was motivated by concern for children.
Right-wing influencers circulated screenshots of the posts. The original posts may have been deleted, or made private. The Virginia teacher has been suspended, and the Texas internship terminated. Both could not be reached for comment.
Some private employers cited a violation of their company values or safety issues as the reason for terminating employees. The corporations that were caught up in this backlash had a number of reasons for their actions. Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian stated in a press release that some employees' statements were "starkly in contrast" with the company's core values and violated the social media policy. United Airlines said it has "zero tolerance" for any form of politically motivated violence.
Some of the Kirk critics, who had taken pains to condemn this shooting, were also fired or suspended after Republican legislators got involved.
Joshua Bregy shared a Facebook post by another user in the wake of Kirk Kirk's death. The post read: "Nobody should be shot down. Not a child, not an influential, not a political figure -- no one. Will I allow others to turn a flawed person whose words have caused significant damage into a martyr? Not a chance."
Clemson Republicans reposted a part of the message in which they called him "ANOTHER LEFTIST PROFESSOR" and demanded his dismissal. Right-wing influencers amplified the post, and Republican state legislators threatened to defund Bregy's public university if he wasn't fired.
Clemson first pledged, in a statement on September 12, to "stand firm on the principles the U.S. Constitution including the protection for free speech."
Clemson fired Bregy after the South Carolina House Speaker and Senate President sent a letter demanding "immediate and appropriate action" from Clemson trustees. Bregy’s Facebook post "was blatantly unprofessional," and "seriously detrimental to the university," Clemson said.
In a letter, Bregy was informed that he had been fired.
Bregy is
Clemson filed a reinstatement petition in federal court in South Carolina. Allen Chaney, his lawyer, said that the academic would still be in the same position "but for the aggressive and coercive tactics used by elected officials in South Carolina."
Clemson's State House Speaker Murrell Smith, and Senate President Thomas Alexander have not responded to requests for comments. Clemson is yet to respond to Bregy’s lawsuit.
At least six times, Republican officials threatened to deny taxpayer funding to universities and schools if Kirk's critics were not fired.
Chaney, the legal director for the South Carolina chapter American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), said that the threats of defunding Clemson, and other universities, crossed a constitutional boundary. He said that the government cannot police speech through third-party pressure. The Supreme Court ruled unanimously last year that government officials could not use their authority to "attempt coerce" third parties to punish or suppress speech they don't like.
Paul McGreal, constitutional law professor and Kirk critic at Creighton University Law School (Nebraska), said that the threats of defunding schools who refuse to fire Kirk's critics are "stunning". Government officials threaten speakers with punishment if they don't agree with their views. They are violating the core First Amendment rights."
KIRK HONORED AS '13TH DELIGIOUS' OF CHRIST
Many Republicans have portrayed Kirk as a saintly champion for free speech since Kirk's murder. Evangelicals have compared him to Saint Stephen who is revered as Christianity’s first martyr. One Republican lawmaker said that Kirk would have been the "13th disciple" if he had lived in Biblical time. When he awarded Kirk the posthumous award, Trump compared him to ancient Greek philosopher Socrates and slain president Abraham Lincoln.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom
Kirk's legacy, however, is complex. Kirk gained notoriety for his debates with college students, as part of Turning Point. Kirk advocated criminalizing expressions - like pornography -- that conflicted with Christian beliefs. Kirk backed Trump when Black footballers began kneeling in protest against police brutality during the National Anthem. Later, the White House said that Trump was making a declaration and not a proposal.
Kirk denigrated minorities repeatedly, calling transgenders an "abomination", warning against "prowling Blacks in cities", accusing wealthy Jews for inciting "hatred towards Whites", and declaring Islam to be incompatible with Western civilisation. He dismissed Pope Francis as being a Marxist.
Kirk's hagiography upset some of those who spoke against him after his death.
Kimberly Hunt said, "I felt compelled in an interview to remind people of who he was, and what he represented." Kimberly Hunt is a human resource worker from Arizona. She posted a video with the caption "Save your tears, not for him."
Hunt, in the video, cited Kirk’s history of using derogatory words about transgenders and Muslims before saying that his children were "better off without him". Hunt was promptly fired. Her employer, a construction company in Arizona, has not responded to requests for comments.
Hunt said she was aware that her words were harsh, but stood by them. She said that they were Kirk's position in a discussion last year, where he stated that if Kirk had a daughter of 10 years old who was impregnated by rape "the baby would have been delivered."
Many voices have been silenced by the retaliation. Many people who made anti-Kirk remarks have now deleted or locked their account. In interviews, others said they were pushing back.
Hunt has raised over $88,000 through a GoFundMe page titled "Doxxed - Fired - But Not Silenced". She plans to use the funds to continue her education, to become a content producer, and to keep calling people like Kirk out.
She said, "It has definitely emboldened me."
State and federal court documents show that at least 19 lawsuits were filed against employers who punished Kirk Critics. At least two plaintiffs were successful, including a South Dakota academic who was able to get his teaching job.
Karen Leader, associate professor at Florida Atlantic University took to social media to protest the narrative that Kirk was "a shining example for youth, and a noncontroversial person who wanted an open and civil dialog," she said. Anyone who works in higher education understands that it is not as simple as that.
She pointed out that Turning Point gained prominence because of its Professor Watchlist. This site encouraged students to report professors for holding "radical-left" views or supporting terrorism.
Kirk described the Watchlist not as a blacklist, but rather a tool for raising awareness. In interviews, on social media and in public forums, those who were listed said that the Watchlist encouraged harassment and intimidation. A Turning Point reporter in 2023 was accused of assaulting a professor from Arizona who was on the Watchlist, after confronting him about his sexuality on camera and pushing him to the floor. The reporter was sentenced to a diversionary program after he admitted to harassing, assaulting and disorderly behavior. Turning Point's cameraman confessed to harassing the reporter in this case.
Leader started posting Kirk's previous statements on X starting September 10. She deleted the post after admitting that she had made an error by accusing Kirk incorrectly of using an ethnic slur. She said that she stood by the rest of her posts, including one in which Kirk claimed that Black Americans had been "better" under Jim Crow.
Leader stated, "I never encouraged violence in any way." "I was sharing the evidence."
Jordan Chamberlain is a former employee of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. She shared screenshots from several posts by Leader and asked her university if they approved the content. Libs from TikTok posted Leader's faculty photo. The president of the university announced that she was placed on administrative leave. The university's president announced that she had been placed on administrative leave.
menacing messages followed
The caller stated in a voicemail that was reviewed by us: "We are coming to get you." Karen Leader, you know where to find us. As soon as we know your address, we'll come to you. Leader hasn't left her apartment in years.
According to a police document, she reported the threats made to Boca Raton Police, who referred the matter to campus police officers. Florida Atlantic University Police said that their report couldn't be released due to an ongoing criminal investigation.
Florida Atlantic University confirmed that Leader was among three academics on leave while investigations were underway. The university declined to comment further. Chamberlain did not return an email asking for comment.
Leader replied, "I don't really know if my career has ended or not." But my life has changed." Additional reporting by Phil Stewart in Washington, Jana Winter and Courtney Rozen, in Los Angeles, and Isaac Vargas, in Washington. Jason Szep, Linda So and Jason Szep edited the story.
(source: Reuters)