Carolina Panthers employee fired after Instagram post mocking Charlie Kirk death

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A Carolina Panthers employee was fired after making a social media post mocking the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, WCNC Charlotte's Nick Carboni confirmed.

Charlie Rock, the Panthers' football communications coordinator, is no longer with the organization, according to someone briefed on the situation.

The Panthers issued a statement on social Media Thursday morning saying employees' views "do not represent those of the Carolina Panthers" and that the situation was "addressed with the individual."

"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."

Multiple people replied to the statement with questions and screenshots. One showed an Instagram post appearing to be from Rock that said, "Why are yall sad? Your man said it was worth it ..." with a photo of Kirk.

Kirk, a popular conservative political activist and media personality, was at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah as part of his nonprofit political organization Turning Point USA's "American Comeback Tour." This was his first stop since resuming the tour.

A spokesperson for the organization told NBC News Kirk was "murdered" and asks "everyone keep his family and loved ones in your prayers."

President Donald Trump on Thursday announced he would posthumously award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Kirk.

Speaking at the Pentagon, Trump said he remained shocked by horror of Kirk’s assassination and praised his ally’s impact on conservative politics.

“Charlie was a giant of his generation, a champion of liberty and an inspiration to millions and millions of people,” Trump said.

Authorities are still searching for a suspect a day after Kirk was killed while speaking at an event in what Utah's governor called a "political assassination."

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