Office Depot fires employee who refused to print Charlie Kirk posters for customer
Office Depot fired an employee at its Portage, Michigan, store on Friday after a video went viral on social media showing employees refusing to print posters of Charlie Kirk that a customer ordered for a vigil honoring the late conservative activist.
The company said in a statement to Fox News Digital that it is “deeply concerned by the unfortunate customer experience” that took place at Store 3382. In the video, a person recording can be heard telling a trio of employees that they came into the store earlier in the night to pick up an order for posters to be used at a vigil.
An employee, who identified herself as one of the store’s managers, responded by saying, “Yea, so, we don’t print propaganda.” She then doubled down and said, “It’s propaganda. I’m sorry. We don’t print that here.”
When the person recording the video asked what makes the posters propaganda, she said, “Because he’s a political figure and I don’t have to…” before another employee cut her off and said the general manager would be in on Monday.
Office Depot said Friday night that an “immediate internal review” was launched and the employee involved in the incident is “no longer with the organization.” The company also said it reached out to the customer as soon as it learned of the incident “to address their concerns and seek to fulfill their order to their satisfaction.”
“The behavior displayed by our associate is completely unacceptable and insensitive, violates our company policies, and does not reflect the values we uphold at Office Depot. On behalf of the Company, we sincerely apologize for this regrettable situation,” the statement said.
The company did not state which employee was fired, and said it will “continue to aggressively investigate the matter” and action will be taken where it is appropriate.
The statement ended with, “We are committed to reinforcing training with all team members to ensure our standards of respect, integrity, and customer service are upheld at every location. Our customers and communities deserve nothing less.”
A resurfaced interview clip has become a poignant reminder of Charlie Kirk’s words and the legacy he leaves behind.
During a June 29 appearance on “The Iced Coffee Hour,” Kirk was asked by host Jack Selby how he wants to be remembered if “everything completely goes away.”
“I want to be remembered for courage, for my faith,” Kirk said in the widely circulated clip. “That would be the most important thing; most important thing is my faith,” he added.
Kirk, who was fatally shot while speaking at a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, was unapologetic defender of conservative values and the Christian faith.
This is an excerpt from a story by Fox New Digital’s Bonny Chu.
A massive fight broke out during a vigil held for Charlie Kirk
, the 31-year-old political activist who was assassinated during an event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, according to video of the incident.
The brawl erupted in front of the Idaho State Capitol in Boise the evening of Kirk’s killing, local reports said.
A man wearing a white T-shirt and rainbow-colored backpack reportedly shouted “F— Charlie Kirk” into the crowd while on a Lime bike, sparking outrage among attendees.Police later identified him as 41-year-old Terry Wilson, a local Black Lives Matter activist, according to KIVI.
Tensions rose when 51-year-old Alfonso Ayala confronted Wilson, sparking a heated exchange that quickly turned physical, the station reported. As some in the crowd chanted “USA! USA!” and others repeatedly urged them to stop, Wilson was seen being knocked to the ground, kicked and struck before getting back up and punching back.
Video shows that the brawl continued until police and other attendees intervened. Wilson then crossed the street in the footage, swearing at the crowd and demanding “free speech!”
One woman was heard responding, “Get out of here!”
Police eventually arrested both Wilson and Ayala, KIVI reported.
This is an excerpt from an article by Bonny Chu.
Lara Trump told “Fox & Friends Weekend” on Saturday that the media played a role in the assassination of Charlie Kirk by calling conservatives “fascists and Nazis and racists consistently.”
“A father, a husband, a friend, and probably the greatest political figure of a generation is gone today because one guy decided that he was evil and he was worth murdering in cold blood. And we have to ask ourselves, how did we go from a country where we were able and founded upon the idea of civil debate, to a place where you can shoot someone and kill them the way this guy did [to] Charlie, based on having a differing opinion?” said Lara Trump, the host of Fox News’ “My View with Lara Trump.”
“And, you know, you look at the way especially I think conservatives have been framed by the legacy media, the names we’ve all been called. Charlie’s been called those names. Donald Trump has been called those names, but conservatives as a whole have been called fascists and Nazis and racists consistently,” she continued.
“Those kind of words evoke a visceral reaction in people. True racists, true Nazis, and true fascists are horrible individuals. Charlie was none of those things. Donald Trump is none of those things,” Lara Trump added.
Lara Trump also said, “Look at what the legacy media has parroted, the way they have consistently framed conservatives in those ways over the past decade.
“Really, what do you expect to happen? At a certain point people are going to start to take matters into their own hands. We have to be responsible for our words. Words have consequences. And so, sadly, this is what happens. Sadly, you have assassination attempts on a former and current president. Sadly, Charlie Kirk is no longer with us. These people need to start reporting the truth and stop putting words out there they know are not true,” she said.
The family of the suspect in Charlie Kirk’s assassination played an “almost unheard of” role in helping turn him in, an expert told Fox News Digital.
Police say 22-year-old Tyler Robinson was identified and reported to authorities with the help of his own family – a decision one expert described as extraordinary and profoundly difficult.
“Life is never going to be the same for them,” Susan Constantine, a human behavior specialist, told Fox News Digital. “The fact that they stood up, did what was right, even as difficult as it was – their own son, their own blood, to think that their own blood was capable of carrying out such a heinous act. It has got to be a weight that none of us could ever imagine on our shoulders.”
Constantine, who specializes in threat assessment and deception detection, said the family’s actions reflect “a moral compass” and may even serve as a model for other families confronted with signs of radicalization.
The suspect accused of assassinating conservative activist Charlie Kirk is set to face charges in the coming days as Utah residents remember the alleged killer as a person who was “very quiet” and “kept to himself.”
Tyler Robinson,
22, was taken into custody Thursday on suspicion of aggravated murder, “felony discharge of a firearm – causing serious bodily injury” and “obstruction of justice – capital/first degree felony conduct,” according to a probable cause affidavit obtained by Fox News. He was ordered by a judge to remain held without bail, and the Utah County Attorney’s Office said it plans to formally charge Robinson on Tuesday, Sept. 16.
“I know for some people when their identities come out, and they’re labeled as a shooter, everyone’s like, ‘You could tell.’ And he’s not one of those people,” Jaida Funk, a 22-year-old who lives in the same neighborhood as Robinson, told The Associated Press. She said Robinson’s arrest in the suburb outside St. George was “completely unexpected.”
Robert Sylvester, who has lived on the same street as the Robinson family for about six years, told the AP that he last saw Tyler Robinson a couple years ago as they both helped fix a leaky pipe at a neighbor’s home. He described the family as “pretty quiet,” mentioning the suspect’s father keeps busy as a contractor and that, “They’re not unlike most families.”
“Real Time” host Bill Maher and Daily Wire co-founder Ben Shapiro argued Friday over where the assassin of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk appears to fall politically.
“The reality is…you can break down the death threats and where they are coming from,” Shapiro argued.
After a manhunt for Kirk’s assassin, authorities arrested 22-year-old Utah resident Tyler Robinson in connection with the crime. Among the various etchings written on the suspect’s casings and unfired rounds were “Hey fascist! Catch!” and “Bella ciao,” a reference to an Italian, anti-fascist anthem sung during World War II.
Shapiro, a conservative commentator and former attorney, made the case that Kirk’s alleged killer is on the “political left.”
“If we are not politically correct, then we understand that if there’s a shooting at a synagogue, it is very likely to be either a white supremacist or a radical Muslim,” Shapiro began. “If it is a shooting of a Republican politician, it is very likely to be a trans, antifa, Marxist shooter.”
“That is just not true,” Maher countered. “We don’t know what this kid is.”
The late-night host sparred with Shapiro about his claim, arguing, “We don’t know sh-t.”
This is an excerpt from an article by Stephanie Samsel.
Good Ranchers, a company focused on making good quality meat more accessible to Americans, paid homage to Charlie Kirk, the company’s very first sponsor.
“We first met him backstage at a small church in Houston. We were pregnant with our 4th baby, and life felt overwhelming. Charlie believed in us when he had no reason to. That belief was a lifeline,” Good Ranchers wrote on X. “When we launched online in 2021, Charlie did ad reads for us on his show and promoted us on social media without charging anything extra. No long-term deal, no big contract. Just generosity.”
Good Ranchers said one of its competitors approached Kirk with “a massive budget,” but the Turning Point USA CEO refused.
“Charlie cared more about small business and the American dream than a paycheck. That kind of loyalty is rare, and it changed everything for us.”
The company added, “We will never forget what he did for us. Thank you, Charlie.”
The Connecticut Republican Party on Friday accused a Democratic state education official of posting a “chilling reaction” on social media to Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk’s death.
The party shared a screenshot of what appeared to be a social media account belonging to Farmington Board of Education Chairman Bill Beckert, reposting a comment that said, “They Reap What They Sow.”
“As the official responsible for the education of Farmington’s children, you’d expect Mr. Beckert to show restraint and basic decency,” Connecticut Republican Party Chairman Ben Proto said in a statement.
“Instead, he celebrated the brutal murder of a young husband and father of two, whose only ‘crime’ was having an opinion. That is grotesque. It is a betrayal of the values every educator and public servant should embody.”
Proto added that Kirk’s beliefs were “grounded in faith and love of country,” and he “never called for violence.”
Proto also accused Beckert of wanting to silence those who disagree with him.
“His words read like an endorsement of political violence,” Proto wrote. “Farmington parents and taxpayers must ask themselves: is this the example they want for their children?”
This is an excerpt of an article by Fox News’ Brie Stimson.
Erika Kirk, the widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk,
made her first public remarks just two days after her husband was fatally shot while speaking at Utah Valley University.
Standing next to her husband’s empty studio chair and clutching his cross necklace as she spoke, her podium bore the words: “May Charlie be received into the merciful arms of Jesus, our loving Savior.”
Thousands had been waiting to hear from Erika, not only as Charlie’s partner in life but as a mother of their two young children and a leader in her own right.
She first thanked first responders and family’s supporters, especially President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. “Mr. President, my husband loved you,” she declared.
From that stage, Erika shared Charlie’s private conviction about what would matter most if he had ever entered politics. “Charlie always said that if he ever ran for office… his top priority would be to revive the American family,” the mother-of-two said.
She also pointed to one of Charlie’s life-guiding scriptures. “One of Charlie’s favorite Bible verses was Ephesians 5:25: ‘Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the Church and gave Himself up for her.’”
Erika said that verse was more than words for her husband, but a reflection of his life and sacrifice. “My husband laid down his life for me, for our nation, for our children. He showed the ultimate and true covenantal love.”
Even in mourning, Erika emphasized her faith. “Our world is filled with evil. But our God is so good. So incredibly good.”
She refused to take her husband’s death in stride. “The cries of this widow will echo around the world like a battle cry. To everyone listening tonight across America, the movement my husband built will not die. It won’t. I refuse to let that happen. It will become stronger. Bolder. Louder and greater than ever,” she said.
She announced that TPUSA’s campus tours and AmericaFest will continue, and grow. “There will be even more tours in the years to come,” she said. “The radio and podcast show he was so proud of will go on.”
Erika admitted she hadn’t slept since her late husband’s death and is still showing up as a present mother to her two small children despite the circumstances. “When I got home last night, Gigi, our daughter, ran into my arms… She asked, ‘Where’s daddy?’ I told her, ‘He’s on a work trip with Jesus for your blueberry budget.’”
She promised, “I’ll make Turning Point USA the biggest thing this nation has ever seen.”
“God bless you all, and God bless America.”
Erika Kirk, formerly Erika Frantzve, married Charlie in May 2021. A former Miss Arizona USA, she is a real estate professional, nonprofit founder and host of the podcast “Midweek Rise Up.”
Charlie Kirk, 31, was the co-founder and CEO of Turning Point USA (TPUSA).
The White House
shared a moving video tribute to the late conservative commentator Charlie Kirk on Friday evening, featuring clips of the late 31-year-old quoting scripture and speaking at events.
“In loving memory of Charlie Kirk, a fearless patriot & man of unwavering faith who dedicated his life to America,” the official White House X account posted.
The post also features a quote from Kirk directly, writing “It’s bigger than you, I want you to remember that… It’s bigger than me – you are here to make somebody else’s life better, the pursuit of liberty & freedom.”
The co-founder and CEO of Turning Point USA was assassinated on Wednesday at Utah Valley University while beginning his “American Comeback” speaking tour.
Trump appointee faces heat over ‘unreal’ mistake in Charlie Kirk assassination case
The FBI’s success in apprehending Charlie Kirk’s alleged assassin came one day after Director Kash Patel initially misreported that the suspect was in custody, a move that sparked consternation and criticism as the nation reeled over Kirk’s violent death.
Patel’s misstep during the fast-moving investigation was overshadowed Friday by the breakthrough news that a 22-year-old Utah man had been detained and will face charges for the deadly shooting. But the flaws during the whirlwind 33-hour manhunt did not go unnoticed.
Patel on Thursday announced — then quickly retracted — that authorities had detained the person responsible for killing Kirk.
Fox News’ Laura Ingraham responded “unreal” to Patel’s revelation that the gunman was still at large. Conservative activist Chris Rufo said Friday he was “grateful” authorities arrested a suspect but that it was “time for Republicans to reassess” whether Patel was fit for the job.
CHARLIE KIRK ASSASSINATION: TIMELINE OF UTAH CAMPUS SHOOTING DETAILS ATTACK, MANHUNT FOR SUSPECT
“He performed terribly in the last few days,” Rufo wrote on social media Friday, adding that he has been talking with conservative leaders who are questioning the FBI’s leadership structure, which includes Patel, Deputy Director Dan Bongino, and, as of next week, Andrew Bailey, who is taking on the unprecedented role of FBI co-deputy director.
A White House spokesman said in a statement that “Patel and his team worked night and day to find this murderer and bring him to justice.”
“Anyone who doubts his resolve and dedication – especially when Charlie was such a close friend to him – simply is using this extremely sad moment in a disgusting act of political gamesmanship,” Communication Director Steven Cheung said, adding the suspect will “face the full wrath of the justice system.”
The backlash began after Patel said Thursday that “the subject for the horrific shooting today that took the life of Charlie Kirk is now in custody,” before saying less than two hours later that he had the wrong person. It was the second time that day authorities had arrested someone in the case then let them go.
“The subject in custody has been released after an interrogation by law enforcement,” Patel then said, adding the investigation was ongoing.
CHARLIE KIRK’S SUSPECTED ASSASSIN IDENTIFIED AFTER FATAL SHOOTING OF INFLUENTIAL CONSERVATIVE VOICE IN UTAH
At the same time that Patel said the killer had been caught, Utah law enforcement officials were giving a news conference saying the gunman was at large, leading social media users to convey confusion over the mixed messages.
The blips during the manhunt for the person responsible for Kirk’s killing also put a spotlight on Patel’s and Bongino’s apparent fixation on social media, a point that a lawsuit against Patel and the Department of Justice laid out in thorough detail days prior.
The lawsuit was brought by three top FBI officials who alleged their constitutional rights were violated when they were fired without explanation. One of the fired officials said Patel and Bongino lamented the “political capital” they had to spend to keep the official on the job, a reference to pressure Patel and Bongino were getting on social media about the official. Patel’s and Bongino’s actions were often dictated by social media comments, the lawsuit said.
Also fueling the fire was a delayed news conference on Thursday that offered little new detail as the investigation was underway. Patel appeared at the news conference but did not speak. Upon announcing the suspect’s arrest Friday morning, the FBI director gave remarks of gratitude to the agency, local law enforcement, the media and public for contributing to the arrest. Patel made clear that he had been directing the FBI behind the scenes during the past couple days.
“Warroom” podcast host Steve Bannon, a former Trump advisor, said on his show that he didn’t “know why Kash Patel flew out there, thousands of miles” merely to thank people. Bannon suggested he wanted more details about the suspect and any possible accomplices.
At this stage, the Trump administration has shown no outward signs of wavering on Patel.
DEMS, GOP LAWMAKERS JOIN FORCES TO CONDEMN POLITICAL VIOLENCE AFTER CHARLIE KIRK SHOT
In addition to the White House commending him, one source familiar said Patel’s social media posting during the Kirk case could have been handled better but that his initial erroneous message and the surrounding criticism of it came during the “fog of war,” as the investigation was rapidly evolving and emotions were high. The source said the focus should be on the success of the FBI’s operation and the “good police work” involved.
A spokeswoman for Patel pointed to a statement she posted online highlighting that the FBI’s mission to identify Kirk’s assassin was a success and that Patel was intentional every step of the way.
“Over these last few days, what has mattered isn’t ignorant criticism or petty assumptions — it’s been the pursuit of justice. Justice that was promised, justice that has now been delivered,” spokeswoman Erica Knight said.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
One retired FBI agent who worked at the bureau for two decades said Patel’s premature post seemed “reckless” and “too quick to the draw,” but the retired agent also said he viewed it as a problem that went beyond Patel.
“It’s becoming a popularity contest,” the retired agent told Fox News Digital. “It’s not necessarily something that’s new either, because J. Edgar Hoover was big about leveraging the press to make the FBI look good. I mean, he was notorious for that. That tradition in the bureau has continued, but now it’s sort of like that on steroids.”
Charlie Kirk’s alleged assassin to be charged as residents describe encounters with him
The suspect accused of assassinating conservative activist Charlie Kirk is set to face charges in the coming days as Utah residents remember the alleged killer as a person who was “very quiet” and “kept to himself.”
Tyler Robinson, 22, was taken into custody Thursday on suspicion of aggravated murder, “felony discharge of a firearm – causing serious bodily injury” and “obstruction of justice – capital/first degree felony conduct,” according to a probable cause affidavit obtained by Fox News. He was ordered by a judge to remain held without bail, and the Utah County Attorney’s Office said it plans to formally charge Robinson on Tuesday, Sept. 16.
“I know for some people when their identities come out, and they’re labeled as a shooter, everyone’s like, ‘You could tell.’ And he’s not one of those people,” Jaida Funk, a 22-year-old who lives in the same neighborhood as Robinson, told The Associated Press. She said Robinson’s arrest in the suburb outside St. George was “completely unexpected.”
Robert Sylvester, who has lived on the same street as the Robinson family for about six years, told the AP that he last saw Tyler Robinson a couple years ago as they both helped fix a leaky pipe at a neighbor’s home. He described the family as “pretty quiet,” mentioning the suspect’s father keeps busy as a contractor and that, “They’re not unlike most families.”
COMPLETE COVERAGE OF CHARLIE KIRK
Utah State University confirmed to Fox News on Friday that Robinson “briefly attended Utah State University for one semester in 2021.”
He’s now enrolled as a third-year student in the electrical apprenticeship program at Dixie Technical College in St. George, according to the AP.
Durban Mickelson said to the news agency that Robinson frequently bought supplies from a store where he worked and didn’t stand out.
“He wouldn’t really talk to you unless you said something to him,” Mickelson added. “Just always very quiet, kept to himself.”
LEGAL ANALYST CALLS FOR MORE ARRESTS IN CHARLIE KIRK ASSASSINATION
In addition to state charges, there are active discussions and preparations underway to file a federal charge or potentially multiple federal charges against Robinson, a source said to Fox News on Friday.
State and federal court records do not show any prior criminal cases involving him, the AP reported.
Erika Kirk, the widow of the late Charlie Kirk, also gave an emotional tribute to her husband on Friday and declared that his mission will not end at Turning Point USA’s headquarters.
“To everyone listening tonight across America, the movement my husband built will not die,” Erika Kirk said in her first public statement since her husband’s assassination on Wednesday at Utah Valley University.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“It won’t. I refuse to let that happen… No one will ever forget my husband’s name. And I will make sure of it. It will become stronger, bolder, louder and greater than ever. My husband’s mission will not end. Not even for a moment,” she added. “My husband’s voice will remain, and it will ring out louder and more clearly than ever. And his wisdom will endure.”
Vigil for Charlie Kirk turns violent after activist’s profanity-laced outburst
A massive fight broke out during a vigil held for Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old political activist who was assassinated during an event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, according to video of the incident.
The brawl erupted in front of the Idaho state Capitol in Boise the evening of Kirk’s killing, local reports said.
A man wearing a white T-shirt and rainbow-colored backpack reportedly shouted “F— Charlie Kirk” into the crowd while on a Lime bike, sparking outrage among attendees.
Police later identified him as 41-year-old Terry Wilson, a local Black Lives Matter activist, according to KIVI.
CHARLIE KIRK ASSASSINATION: TIMELINE OF UTAH CAMPUS SHOOTING DETAILS ATTACK, MANHUNT FOR SUSPECT
Tensions rose when 51-year-old Alfonso Ayala confronted Wilson, sparking a heated exchange that quickly turned physical, the station reported. As some in the crowd chanted “USA! USA!” and others repeatedly urged them to stop, Wilson was seen being knocked to the ground, kicked and struck before getting back up and punching back.
Video shows that the brawl continued until police and other attendees intervened. Wilson then crossed the street in the footage, swearing at the crowd and demanding “free speech!”
One woman was heard responding, “Get out of here!”
Police eventually arrested both Wilson and Ayala, KIVI reported.
PERSON OF INTEREST IN CHARLIE KIRK ASSASSINATION PICTURED IN PHOTOS RELEASED BY FBI
While taking Wilson into custody, officers said they discovered a firearm and marijuana in his possession, the local outlet reported. He reportedly faces misdemeanor charges of disturbing the peace, carrying a concealed weapon while under the influence and possession of marijuana. Wilson was taken to a hospital for treatment before being booked into the Ada County Jail, KIVI added.
CHARLIE KIRK’S MURDER THE LATEST IN INCREASING POLITICAL VIOLENCE NATIONWIDE, FROM PA GOVERNOR TO SCOTUS
Ayala was also booked into the Ada County Jail on a misdemeanor charge of disturbing the peace, the station reported.
The Boise Police Department (BPD) said the following day that safety remains their top priority as community members gather for remembrance events for 9/11 and Kirk.
“Today, as our community gathers for 9/11 remembrance events, other activities, and other candlelight vigils, the Boise Police Department will maintain a strong and visible presence,” the department said in a post the following day. “In light of the events in Utah and the assassination of Charlie Kirk, our officers are actively working with event organizers to ensure safe and secure environments for everyone attending. Public safety remains our top priority.”
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
BPD said Wilson has a history of activism and prior arrests, according to local media. In 2021, he was reportedly arrested for vandalizing the “Seated Lincoln” statue in Julia Davis Park, smearing it with paint and feces and placing makeshift signs on it.
He was sentenced to 32 hours of community service and ordered to pay the city $91.96 in restitution, KIVI added.
BPD did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital.
Bill Maher urges end to Hitler comparisons after Kirk’s assassination at campus event
“Real Time” host Bill Maher called for people to stop comparing President Donald Trump to Adolf Hitler on Friday following the assassination of Turning Point USA (TPUSA) founder Charlie Kirk, warning that the comparison makes it easier to “justify” assassinations.
Maher pointed to Trump’s recent visit to Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab in Washington, D.C., where left-wing protesters shouted, “Free D.C.! Free Palestine! Trump is the Hitler of our time!”
“This s— has to stop too,” Maher said. “He went out to dinner — I wouldn’t have done that — in Washington D.C., okay. And people started to gather around him, and they were chanting, ‘You’re the Hitler of our time.'”
NETWORKS CAN’T FIND ANY BLAME FOR THE LEFT IN CHARLIE KIRK’S MURDER
Maher warned that extreme rhetoric toward Trump is continuing to stoke the flames of political violence.
“Okay, first of all, a–holes, he’s not Hitler, okay, an insult to everybody in the Holocaust to begin with. Second of all, calling somebody Hitler makes it a lot easier to justify things like assassinations,” he cautioned. “Let’s put a s—load of that away, shall we?”
Kirk, 31, a father of two, was shot and killed Wednesday during a campus event at Utah Valley University.
FOLLOWING KIRK’S ASSASSINATION, LAWMAKERS REACT TO LETHAL POLITICAL CLIMATE: ‘VIOLENT WORDS PRECEDE VIOLENT ACTIONS’
The TPUSA founder was struck in the neck as he spoke to a large crowd from under a white pop-up tent. He was rushed to a hospital and pronounced dead Wednesday afternoon.
Police identified Tyler Robinson, 22, as the suspect. He was taken into custody Friday.
Earlier in the show, Maher discussed the suspected killer, including developments in his personal life and the messages inscribed on the bullet casings found with the rifle federal investigators believe was used in the murder.
“It’s a new wrinkle now, the assassins are writing on the bullets… it’s not the first time,” he recalled.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE
Authorities said ammunition recovered with the rifle was inscribed with anti-fascist messaging, shedding light on the suspect’s possible motive.
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox confirmed the messaging at a news conference Friday, saying investigators discovered inscriptions on casings found with a bolt-action rifle near the Utah Valley University campus, where Kirk was killed.
One used casing and three unused casings contained the writings, Cox said.
Messages on the casings included “Hey fascist, catch!” and “Bella Ciao,” a reference to the anti-fascist movement in Italy during Mussolini’s rule.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
NFL breaks silence on Charlie Kirk tribute, reveals what Sunday will look like
The NFL released a statement on Friday addressing a tribute to Charlie Kirk ahead of its most recent game, and said teams will be left to make their own decisions about whether to follow suit this Sunday.
Thursday night’s game between the Green Bay Packers and Washington Commanders featured a moment of silence in honor of Kirk before kick-off.
“Last night’s moment was the league’s decision. It’s up to the clubs for this Sunday’s games,” the league’s statement read, per multiple reports.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
The statement further addressed the context of the tribute, comparing it to other moments of silence following tragedies.
“There have been moments following school shootings or an attack on a house of worship such as the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh in 2018. There also have been moments following major international incidents such as Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023 and weather-related incidents such as major hurricanes and fires,” the statement continued.
“This is in addition to honoring those in the NFL family from tributes to recently passed players or personnel, or a player such as Damar Hamlin in 2023. The NFL also honored before Super Bowl LIV NBA star Kobe Bryant and the other victims of the helicopter crash (Gianna Bryant, Sarah and Payton Chester, Christina Mauser, Ara Zobayan) and also Pro Football Hall of Famer Chris Doleman who passed that week.”
The league made reference to sweeping changes to field and pre-game protocols following the death of George Floyd in 2020, and moments of silence following other tragedies in the past calendar year.
TIMELINE OF CHARLIE KIRK ASSASSINATION
“Lift Every Voice and Sing has been performed at league events since 2020 following the murder of George Floyd and the events of the summer of 2020, including last Thursday during the Kickoff game in Philadelphia. It is also performed before the Super Bowl,” the statement continued.
“This summer before the Hall of Fame game in Canton, the league honored the victims and those impacted by the attack at 345 Park Avenue. During Week 18 games last season, the NFL honored the victims of the Bourbon Street terrorist attack. Also, that season the NFL held a moment to recognize those lost in the deadly crashes near Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia and also prior to the Vikings-Rams Wild Card game that was moved from LA to Arizona due to the wildfires.”
At least one NFL team has already made it a point to fire an employee who made insensitive comments after Kirk’s assassination.
The Carolina Panthers fired Charlie Rock, a member of the team’s communications department, after social media posts linked to Rock appeared to show him questioning why people were sad that Kirk had been shot and killed.
“The views expressed by our employees are their own and do not represent those of the Carolina Panthers,” the team said in a statement posted to social media. “We do not condone violence of any kind. We are taking this matter very seriously and have accordingly addressed it with the individual.”
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Elsewhere in American sports, the New York Yankees and Chicago Cubs each held a moment of silence ahead of recent games to honor Kirk following the assassination on Wednesday. Meanwhile, MLB has instructed all teams to, at the very least, keep all American flags at half-staff throughout the weekend in honor of Kirk.
“MLB asked all of the Clubs to follow the direction of the White House Presidential Proclamation and fly flags at half-staff in their ballparks,” an MLB spokesperson told Fox News Digital.
The NHL, NBA and WNBA have made no official statements addressing Kirk’s assassination. Fox News Digital has reached out to all three leagues to ask if they would, but has not received a response.
‘Vulgar’ woman demands baseball from child as Hall of Famer reacts to drama that unfolded
A home run ball by Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Harrison Bader made national headlines due to one fan berating a father and son to hand over the ball after it reached the stands.
Unfortunately, after 19 seasons in the league and being a fan of the game since retirement, Hall of Famer CC Sabathia isn’t surprised to see fans fight over baseballs. This situation, though, was a “crazy” one.
“You see that stuff all the time from fans, but that was crazy. I’ve never seen anything to that extent, and so many different people caught it on their cameras,” Sabathia told Fox News Digital while at his PitCCh In Foundation’s fifth annual Golf Classic at Alpine Country Club in New Jersey. “It was like seven different angles, which is insane.”
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Drew Feltwell, his son Lincoln, and daughter Avery appeared on Fox News’ “America Reports” to talk about the viral moment, where Drew Feltwell thought he was making a core memory for his son after finding Bader’s homer on the ground among multiple spectators.
But a female Phillies fan, as Sabathia mentioned, was captured marching up to the Feltwells, demanding they give her the ball.
FAMILY RECALLS DEALING WITH IRATE FEMALE PHILLIES FAN OVER HOME RUN BALL: ‘SHE WAS VERY VULGAR’
“I can’t even repeat that on air. She was very vulgar,” Drew Feltwell said. “Screaming right in my ear that, you know, a lot of bad words and, ‘That’s my ball.’ That was her section, and she tried to tell me she had the right to that ball. The screaming and yelling kind of got to us, and I just wanted her to go away. So that’s how she got the ball.”
Feltwell didn’t have any qualms about how he handled the situation, but the power of social media ended up reaching the Phillies. Sabathia loved seeing how the team rallied to make the kid’s night even more special than just being the lucky recipient of a home run ball.
“It just sucks that kid had to go through that, but it’s pretty cool, the power of social media, right?” Sabathia said. “Right away, Bader’s out there giving him a bat, and the Phillies hooked him up. So it’s cool to see guys be able to respond and help that kid out right away. That’s fun.”
Lincoln Feltwell got a package of souvenirs from the Phillies, as well as meeting Bader after the game, receiving a signed bat in the process.
“I hope that ball meant a lot to her,” Lincoln Feltwell said.
A Golfing “LegaCCY”
While Sabathia is no longer flipping baseballs into the stands after his outings on the mound, the 2025 Hall of Fame first-ballot inductee is a “full-time golfer,” finding passion on the links shortly after retirement.
That passion has become an annual part of his philanthropic work through his PitCCh In Foundation, which runs many programs for underserved youth across the country.
“It’s fun to be able to get people out here on the course and just blend the worlds of my sports, my business world, and my philanthropy world. Get people out here on the course and have a good time for charity,” Sabathia said.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The Tuesday outing came right after a massive night for the foundation at the LegaCCy Gala at the Natural History Museum in Manhattan. With stars like Derek Jeter, Gerrit Cole, and many others involved, the gala raised more than $375,000 in support of the foundation’s mission.
The Yankees also honored Sabathia for entering the Hall of Fame on Sunday, when they announced a donation of $250,000 to the foundation.
Train stabbing fuels anger over unreleased video of Austin Metcalf’s killing
Nearly five months after Frisco, Texas track star Austin Metcalf was stabbed to death at a high school competition, members of the public are continuing to pressure local authorities to release video of the attack.
In a post on X on Wednesday, Elon Musk implored authorities to “release the video,” as the topic began trending online following this week’s stabbing death of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska on a commuter train in Charlotte, North Carolina. The attack on Zarutska was captured on surveillance video, which was released after the stabbing.
The Frisco Independent School District previously confirmed to Fox News Digital that it possesses surveillance video of the stabbing at Kuykendall Stadium but will not be publicly releasing the video.
JUDGE IN AUSTIN METCALF CASE ISSUES GAG ORDER IN TEEN MURDER TRIAL: TIMELINE
The outrage comes as Karmelo Anthony, 18, is charged with first-degree murder in the killing of Metcalf while at an April 2 track meet.
The altercation allegedly unfolded during a rain delay at the district track and field championship, when Metcalf, a student at Memorial High School, told Anthony, of Frisco Centennial High School, he needed to move out of the Memorial team’s tent, police said.
The incident quickly escalated as Anthony “grabbed his bag, opened it and reached inside it” while telling Metcalf, “Touch me and see what happens,” according to the police report.
TRIAL DATE SET FOR AUSTIN METCALF’S SUSPECTED KILLER IN TRACK MEET STABBING
“[Metcalf] stood up and pushed the male to get him out of the tent,” the arrest report said.
A witness told police that Anthony then “reached into his bag and the male took a knife out of the bag and stabbed Austin,” according to the report. The witness then told the officer that Anthony left the scene after the stabbing. Metcalf died in his twin brother’s arms. He and Anthony were both 17 at the time.
AUSTIN METCALF’S ACCUSED KILLER NEEDS SUPPORT FIGHTING ‘WHITE SUPREMACY’ AFTER MURDER INDICTMENT: SPOX
Police arrested Anthony afterward, with his supporters insisting he acted in self-defense after Metcalf pushed him out of the tent.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Anthony’s bond was initially set at $1 million, but was subsequently reduced to $250,000. He was released to home confinement and his trial was set for June 1, 2026.
The Frisco Independent School District and Anthony’s attorney did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
Medical accreditor ends ‘demeaning equity mandates’ following Trump orders
The White House is celebrating news that a leading medical education accreditor will end its DEI requirements.
“President Trump is protecting civil rights and restoring merit-based opportunity. Organizations like the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education are making the right decision by choosing to no longer waste resources on divisive DEI departments,” White House assistant press secretary Liz Huston told Fox News Digital in a statement.
“Individual dignity, hard work and excellence are the foundation of American greatness, and these demeaning ‘equity’ mandates have no place in our institutions,” Huston added.
GEORGIA’S LARGEST PRIVATE UNIVERSITY ENDS DEI INITIATIVES AFTER TRUMP MANDATES
In a statement last week obtained by Fox News Digital, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) announced that it will end its DEI requirements and shutter its Department of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
“Recent federal directives, including executive orders and a proposed rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, have prohibited accrediting bodies from requiring or otherwise encouraging a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI),” ACGME said in a statement.
“Similar directives apply to programs and hospitals receiving Medicare payments for GME,” the statement read.
The organization, which is an independent nonprofit that makes and tracks graduate medical education standards that encompass residencies and fellowships, said it will comply with President Donald Trump’s various executive orders to end DEI.
UNIVERSITY RUNS DAMAGE CONTROL AMID CONCERNS IT HIDES ILLEGALS, UPHOLDS REVERSE DISCRIMINATION
“In alignment with these federal directives, the ACGME has taken several actions, including retiring DEI-specific accreditation requirements, updating the organization’s relevant policies and procedures, and closing the Department of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion,” ACGME said.
In the statement, ACGME said it will assist “stakeholders through this transition,” and guarantee their “accreditation system reflects both the highest standards of medical education for all residents and fellows serving all patients and the current regulatory landscape.”
Fox News Digital reached out to the Department of Education for comment.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE