In the wake of the reported death of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, TikTok has exploded with a wave of viral videos — not of mourning, but of celebration.

Many of the most-shared clips feature liberals, progressives, and minority group advocates openly rejoicing at the passing of a man they viewed as a symbol of division and hate.

The trend has sparked fierce debate across social media, highlighting the deep polarization in American politics and raising questions about how far online reactions can go before they cross ethical boundaries.

Charlie Kirk’s Legacy: A Polarizing Force in American Politics

Charlie Kirk rose to prominence as the founder of Turning Point USA, a conservative student organization known for its viral campus debates and combative approach to left-wing ideologies.

Kirk became a household name among conservatives for taking on liberal students in heated public exchanges, amassing millions of followers — and critics — in the process.

An outspoken Christian nationalist, Kirk frequently positioned himself against:

The LGBTQ+ movement

Progressive immigration policies

What he called the “myth” of systemic racism

Federal efforts to promote diversity and inclusion

His supporters saw him as a bold truth-teller. His critics viewed him as a dangerous demagogue.

TikTok Reactions to Kirk’s Death: Celebration or Cruelty?

Since the announcement of his death, TikTok has been inundated with videos using trending hashtags like #GoodRiddance, #CharlieKirkIsGone, and #JusticeServed. Many creators — particularly from marginalized communities — have posted reaction videos showing:

Dancing or celebratory memes

Emotional testimonials about how his rhetoric harmed their communities

Side-by-side comparisons of Kirk’s controversial speeches with messages of “karma” or “poetic justice”

Some of the most viral content comes from LGBTQ+ creators and immigration rights activists, many of whom have long criticized Kirk for what they called dehumanizing rhetoric.

“This isn’t about death. It’s about the death of a symbol that promoted hate,” one popular creator said in a video with over 500,000 likes.

Kirk’s death also drew reactions from beyond U.S. borders. Notably, Ukrainian social media users — already incensed by previous comments Kirk made — were among the first to mock his passing.

In one widely criticized speech, Kirk cited the case of a Ukrainian woman stabbed to death in a North Carolina subway station by an African-American man with a criminal history. He used the case to argue against what he viewed as racial bias in U.S. criminal justice reform, suggesting that criminals were being released based on race.

The clip, seen as racially inflammatory, had previously sparked outrage among both American progressives and the Ukrainian diaspora. Following news of his death, many Ukrainian users posted memes and dark jokes, adding fuel to an already sensitive situation.

A Broader Reflection of a Divided America

While some argue that celebrating anyone’s death — regardless of political belief — is morally troubling, others insist that Kirk’s rhetoric caused real harm, especially to marginalized communities who saw him as legitimizing discrimination. “We’re not celebrating a death. We’re breathing easier without a man who tried to erase our humanity,” said one LGBTQ+ activist on X (formerly Twitter).

Still, others warn that the response to Kirk’s death highlights a dangerous level of dehumanization on both sides of the political spectrum — where opponents are no longer seen as wrong, but as enemies to be erased.

Charlie Kirk’s passing has left behind more than just a political legacy — it’s ignited a firestorm online that reflects the state of discourse in modern America.

The celebratory tone taken by some in response to his death has opened difficult conversations about justice, speech, and empathy.

Whether viewed as a symbol of hate or a martyr of free speech, Charlie Kirk remains a deeply polarizing figure — even in death.