"There were the respectful and sincere comments condemning the killing. Former President Barack Obama said, "What happened was a tragedy and ... I mourn for him and his family." And former Vice President Mike Pence said, "I'm heartsick about what happened to him." But Kirk's killing also elicited what many saw as inappropriate comments. MSNBC terminated commentator Matthew Dowd after he said, "Hateful thoughts lead to hateful words, which then lead to hateful actions." American Airlines grounded pilots accused of celebrating Kirk's death."
"Countless defenders of Kimmel quickly responded to his indefinite suspension as an attack on the First Amendment. MSNBC host Chris Hayes posted the following on X: "This is the most straightforward attack on free speech from state actors I've ever seen in my life and it's not even close." But is it? Chairman Brendan Carr's statement about how Jimmy Kimmel's remarks could hurt ABC affiliate stations. Free speech? It depends The First Amendment limits government officials from infringing one's right to free speech and expression."
Public figures offered respectful condemnations of the killing while other commentators made remarks seen as inappropriate. Media organizations and employers took disciplinary actions: MSNBC terminated Matthew Dowd, American Airlines grounded pilots accused of celebrating the death, and ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel indefinitely. Many defenders framed those suspensions as attacks on the First Amendment, prompting public debate. The First Amendment limits government officials from restricting speech, protecting both the right to speak and to refrain from speaking, and it prohibits governmental viewpoint discrimination. The First Amendment does not apply to private employers, who generally may discipline employees for speech.
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