Report: Carolina Panthers fire communications department employee Charlie Rock over 'insensitive' posts of Charlie Kirk murder

The Carolina Panthers have reportedly fired a team employee for insensitive posts following the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on Wednesday. The Charlotte Observer confirmed the news.

The team has fired Charlie Rock from the team’s communications department. Rock reportedly posted the song “Protect Ya Neck” from the Wu-Tang Clan with a subsequent video clip of Kirk with the caption “Why are yall sad? Your man said it was worth it…”

The video clip of Kirk was a viral clip of the activist explaining that he believes it was “worth” it to have a human cost associated with protecting Second Amendment rights. Charlie Kirk was shot in the neck on Wednesday afternoon while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University.

The Panthers also released a team statement on the news. It read:

“The views expressed by our employees are their own and do not represent those of the Carolina Panthers. We do not condone violence of any kind. We are taking this matter very seriously and have accordingly addressed it with the individual.”

More on the death of Charlie Kirk

The shooting at the Utah Valley University event, a debate hosted by Turning Point USA, occurred at about 12:20 local time on Wednesday. A single shot was fired, striking Kirk in the neck. It would prove fatal.

About 3,000 people were in attendance at the time of the shooting, according to the Associated Press. A shooting suspect was initially captured, then later released, according to the FBI.

Law enforcement officials believed that the shot was fired from the roof of a building located near the courtyard where Kirk was speaking. Onlookers fled in multiple directions upon hearing the shot ring out.

Sports world reacts to the shooting

The sports world swiftly reacted to the news of Charlie Kirk’s death, with tributes pouring in from various angles. Some organizations even paused to recognize the life of Kirk.

The New York Yankees paused for a moment of silence for Kirk prior to a game against the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday night. Elsewhere, athletes and coaches alike responded to the news.

“I’m shocked and devastated to learn about the passing of Charlie Kirk,” wrote Tim Tebow, a former Heisman Trophy winner at Florida and a current ESPN analyst. “Above all else, Charlie was a follower of Jesus, a husband, and a dad. He was a man of passion, courage, and devotion to making an eternal impact. Demi and I are praying for Erika, his two children, and everyone who loved him.”

Auburn men’s basketball coach Bruce Pearl also chimed in. He wrote:

“Charlie was an optimist! He was leading a revival of conservative Christian values and the happiness it could lead to! Charlie is irreplaceable! A true evangelist. ‘if you disagree with me, step up to the front of the line.’ Condolences to his family and the young people of this country. Many in our Auburn student body are horrified tonight, you young patriots who love our country like Charlie. For now let’s morn, keep the violent rhetoric down and then live our best lives, committed to making this country better.”