The first anniversary of Charlie Kirk’s death didn’t exactly go smoothly for many people. A video showing four Utah junior high students appearing to mock the murder of Charlie Kirk with a dance has sparked widespread outrage online, with critics accusing the students of showing a disturbing lack of respect for a political assassination. The backlash was so intense that the school had to acknowledge the incident and take responsibility.
The Davis School District confirmed that the four students, all girls, appeared in the widely circulated video. The clip begins with the words “We are Charlie Kirk” before gunfire is heard. The students then pretend to be shot in the neck before breaking into a dance to Soulja Boy’s remixed rap song. It appears the original video and the account that posted it on TikTok have been deleted.
However, certain X users were able to preserve the clip. As expected, the dance has since ignited fierce criticism from Charlie Kirk and MAGA supporters who consider the video a mockery of his death. Needless to say, it quickly drew angry reactions from social media users, many of whom condemned the students’ decision to turn Kirk’s death into a dance.
“It’s disgusting!!!” one commenter on X fumed. Another social media user criticized the role of social media in the incident, writing, “It’s sad to see what social media is doing to the younger generation, especially TikTok!”
One particularly angry reaction called for severe consequences, saying the students should have their scholarships removed and be suspended. Another commenter accused them of disrespecting Kirk, writing, “Who celebrates the murder of a man who was knowledgeable, honest and making a difference in millions of lives?”
The backlash extended to the school
One post directed at the Davis School District was even more heated and seems to have included the whole school district in his threats: “This is disgusting!!!! Your going to get a ton of phone calls tomorrow.” The backlash comes shortly after the anniversary of Kirk’s assassination at Utah Valley University. The campus was closed for reflection and special events marking the anniversary, while a large wooden cross was brought to the site where Kirk was killed and a moment of silence was observed.
The Davis School District said that they are aware of the video and how it demonstrated a “concerning lack of seriousness and sensitivity.” Officials said school leaders were addressing the situation but did not identify the school involved or disclose what consequences, if any, the students would face. The district also said it “condemns any celebration of harm” and confirmed that the students removed the video after understanding its seriousness.
Some commenters acknowledged that the students have a right to express themselves, even while condemning the video. One person wrote, “I don’t agree with it, but I support their right to do it.” For some observers, however, it appears the controversy goes beyond political disagreement. “No matter what side you’re on, treat people with respect and love and kindness,” local resident Britny Nelson said. He added, “Life is important.”
