American Airlines and Delta Airlines have taken immediate action against pilots who publicly celebrated the assassination of activist Charlie Kirk on social media. The fallout followed revelations by Milo Yiannopoulos, who shared inflammatory posts made by employees of both airlines.
American Airlines confirmed it has “initiated action” against pilots involved, stating that those promoting political violence were removed from service. A Department of Transportation official reported that all American Airlines pilots linked to the controversial posts have been grounded and stripped of their duties. The airline emphasized its commitment to safety, condemning the behavior as unacceptable.
Delta Airlines responded similarly, suspending employees who made offensive social media comments related to Kirk’s death. CEO Ed Bastian reiterated the company’s stance, stating that such content “stands in stark contrast to our values” and could lead to termination. Both airlines stressed their dedication to upholding standards of integrity and respect.
The incidents have sparked calls for stricter accountability, with critics arguing that individuals expressing support for political violence should face severe consequences, including loss of pilot licenses. The actions by American Airlines and Delta mark a swift response to the controversy, reflecting broader societal condemnation of such rhetoric.