Army, Secret Service Suspend Officers for Charlie Kirk Death Remarks

Following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University, a number of federal employees have faced disciplinary actions for celebrating or making disparaging remarks about his death. Army Reserves Maj. Bryan Bintliff was suspended and is under investigation for social media posts cheering Kirk's assassination and threatening President Donald Trump and White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller. Similarly, Secret Service agent Anthony Pough, who publicly criticized Kirk and expressed satisfaction over his death on Facebook, was placed on immediate administrative leave, prompting calls from Senator Marsha Blackburn for his termination. Additionally, Laura Sash Lightsy, an Assistant Dean of Students at Middle Tennessee State University, was removed from her position following negative comments about Kirk. These actions reflect Pentagon and Secret Service officials' declarations of zero tolerance for such behavior, emphasizing that celebrating an assassination or violating conduct codes is unacceptable. President Donald Trump and others have publicly mourned Kirk's death, while authorities continue to investigate and prosecute the shooter, Tyler Robinson.