FORT WORTH- American Airlines (AA) and Delta Air Lines (DL) have suspended pilots for posting online celebrations of conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s assassination. The incident highlights tensions over social media conduct and employee accountability in the aviation industry.
Public outcry led airlines to act swiftly against such posts, with government officials condemning the behavior as unacceptable for those responsible for passenger safety.
Representative Photo: American AirlinesAmerican Airlines Pilots Suspended
American Airlines (AA) removed pilots from service after they posted vile comments celebrating Charlie Kirk’s death. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy announced the grounding on X, calling the behavior disgusting and urging firings.
American Airlines pilots who were caught celebrating the assassination of Charlie Kirk have been immediately grounded and removed from service by @AmericanAir.
This behavior is disgusting and they should be fired.
Any company responsible for the safety of the traveling public… https://t.co/nq2B3G84hu
— Secretary Sean Duffy (@SecDuffy) September 13, 2025
American Airlines responded by condemning violence and hate, stating that it contradicts their purpose to care for people, and confirmed initiating internal actions.
Delta Air Lines (DL) suspended employees pending investigation for breaching social media policies. An internal message shared by aviation watchdog JonNYC informed staff of the suspensions.
Similar issues appeared at United, Southwest, and other carriers, though Delta’s pilots, unionized under ALPA, generally lean conservative and may not widely share these views.
According to View from the Wing, airlines enforce policies against hateful comments, and they hold the right to act.
Representative Photo: American AirlinesCharlie Kirk’s Legacy
Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, debated controversial ideas on college campuses through his “Prove Me Wrong” setups. He opposed cancel culture, advocating open discourse over silencing opponents.
His assassination in Utah, labeled an attack on free speech, drew emotional responses, including air traffic control’s poignant welcome for the plane carrying his body.
Critics compared him to extreme figures like Hitler in posts, but Kirk was a husband and father who promoted debate.
Live and Let’s Fly distinguishes between quoting Kirk on issues like gun control and celebrating his death, noting the latter crosses lines.
Photo: American AirlinesConcerns Over Pilot Fitness and Safety
Pilots’ primary role involves ensuring safety, with mental fitness regulated by the Department of Transportation. Celebrating a political assassination raises questions about judgment and potential biases.
For instance, a pilot harboring such views might falter if high profile passengers like Ivanka Trump are aboard.
Airlines and regulators prioritize removing pilots from duty when fitness is in doubt. Supporters of Kirk argue against involving government in pressuring companies over employee speech, viewing it as hypocritical given his anti-cancel culture stance.
Photo: American AirlinesGovernment and Union Perspectives
Secretary Duffy pushed for accountability, emphasizing that glorifying political violence hinders national healing.
ALPA, representing Delta pilots, may challenge suspensions, but the union’s conservative lean suggests limited support for the vitriolic posts.
Delta historically leaned left but adjusted under different administrations, unlike United’s shifts. The focus remains on enforcing policies without broader political bias.
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Delta Pilots Suspended Over Social Media Posts on Charlie Kirk Assassination
The post American Airlines, Delta Pilots Suspended Over Charlie Kirk Assassination Posts appeared first on Aviation A2Z.
