Originally published at: https://peakprosperity.com/daily-digest/firings-continuing-following-charlie-kirk-assassination-online-platforms-come-under-scrutiny/
US Politics
Erika Kirk has filed a $40 million defamation lawsuit against ABC and hosts of The View, claiming their remarks about her late husband were defamatory. Meanwhile, ABC has indefinitely suspended Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show following comments about Kirk’s death, with the network reportedly facing pressure from affiliates and FCC officials over the statements. ABC also plans to air a special tribute to Kirk in Kimmel’s former timeslot this Friday. Separately, the Washington Post dismissed columnist Karen Attiah over online statements related to the assassination, part of a wider trend of terminations across industries for individuals publicly expressing support for Kirk’s death. Notably, Vice President JD Vance has encouraged employers to terminate employees who express support for the assassination, citing a need for civility amid rising tensions. Critics, including civil liberties advocates, have raised concerns that such firings could infringe on free speech, arguing that while the comments may be controversial, they do not necessarily justify employment termination.
In official policy response, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the U.S. will revoke visas for foreign nationals who publicly support Kirk’s death, stating this reflects a stance against endorsing political violence. Opponents of the visa revocation policy, including the ACLU, have cautioned that it could be seen as an overreach, potentially impacting free expression among non-citizens.
On the investigative side, details about the shooting remain unclear. Tyler Robinson, the alleged shooter, faces capital aggravated murder charges, with the Utah County Attorney seeking the death penalty. Discrepancies in suspect descriptions, incident footage, and recovered evidence have led to public skepticism and speculation about the shooter’s identity and possible accomplices.
The FBI is investigating potential links to the group Armed Queers Salt Lake City, while Rep. Anna Paulina Luna has called for the Treasury to freeze assets of a China-linked billionaire allegedly funding extremist NGOs tied to the case. Federal agents are also reviewing online platforms, with CEOs of Discord, Steam, Twitch, and Reddit summoned to a House Oversight Committee hearing on October 8 to discuss online radicalization related to the incident. However, some tech platforms, including Discord, have denied being breeding grounds for violence, asserting their cooperation with law enforcement and commitment to removing harmful content.
Geopolitics
In Timor-Leste, the government has canceled a plan to provide free cars to lawmakers after significant public protests in Dili. Thousands protested, with some burning tires and a government vehicle, leading to police use of tear gas. Despite the policy reversal, demonstrations continue with demands to end lifetime pensions for retired lawmakers. The unrest reflects public frustration over inequality, as lawmakers earn far more than the national average in one of South East Asia’s poorest countries. Similar discontent has been observed in recent protests against political elites in Nepal and Indonesia. Some government officials have defended the initial car plan as necessary for official duties, suggesting the reversal was more about public appeasement than fiscal responsibility.
Energy
Venezuela’s extensive hydrocarbon reserves are drawing attention amid discussions of a potential U.S. strategic focus on the Western Hemisphere. Analysts note increased criticism of the Maduro regime and a U.S. military presence in the Caribbean, suggesting a possible intent to secure resources for American companies such as Exxon and Chevron. Some observers have raised concerns about potential geopolitical tensions, including with Brazil, a key BRICS member in the region. However, Brazilian officials have publicly stated that their relationship with BRICS remains stable, downplaying the likelihood of conflict with the U.S. over Venezuela.
In California, Governor Gavin Newsom has approved domestic oil drilling in the Central Valley through a bipartisan bill certifying a long-disputed environmental impact report. This temporary exemption from environmental reviews aims to address an energy crisis involving refinery closures and limited pipeline capacity, though it has faced criticism from environmental groups and some Democrats over reduced protections. Environmental organizations, such as Greenpeace USA, have called the move a setback for California’s climate goals, arguing it prioritizes industry over vulnerable communities.
Sources
Erika Kirk Files $40 Million Defamation Lawsuit Against ABC and The View Hosts
Erika Kirk has drawn the line.
Unraveling the Charlie Kirk Shooting: Questions, Conspiracies, and Contradictions
And for me, everything just shouts, “Does all of this really make sense to the average person?”
Source | Submitted by Daz K
Timor-Leste Axes Free Cars for MPs Amid Protests Over Inequality
“People don’t have access to good education, water and sanitation… we have a lack of facilities, but they’re still creating so many laws to benefit themselves.”
Source | Submitted by Shplad
Venezuela: The Opening Act in a Larger Western Hemisphere Power Play?
I wonder if this, uh, you know, what was traded was in Venezuela.
Source | Submitted by rhollenb
ABC Suspends Jimmy Kimmel’s Show Indefinitely Over Controversial Charlie Kirk Remarks
many in MAGA land are working very hard to capitalize on the murder of Charlie Kirk
Source | Submitted by richcabot
Newsom Reverses Course, Approves Domestic Oil Drilling in California Amid Energy Crisis
“After months of hard work with the Legislature, we have agreed to historic reforms that will save money on your electric bills, stabilize gas supply, and slash toxic air pollution—all while fast-tracking California’s transition to a clean, green job-creating economy,” Newsom said in a statement.
Tech CEOs Called to Washington Over Online Radicalization in Wake of Kirk Assassination
“The politically motivated assassination of Charlie Kirk claimed the life of a husband, father, and American patriot.”
Washington Post Columnist Fired Over Controversial Comments on Charlie Kirk Assassination
In reality, violent bloodlust is a feature of the political left, not an anomaly.
Rubio Announces Visa Revocations for Foreign Nationals Celebrating Charlie Kirk’s Assassination
America will not host foreigners who celebrate the death of our fellow citizens.
FBI Probe into ‘Armed Queers’ Sparks Calls to Freeze China-Linked Billionaire’s NGO Network
The revolution against the West spans thousands of organizations that may not be formally linked but are marching in unison toward the revolution.
ABC to Pay Tribute to Charlie Kirk in Jimmy Kimmel’s Old Timeslot
In addition to sources submitted by community members, the following were also used in the creation of this report: Media Matters for America, ACLU, Discord, Dili Times, Brazilian Government Official, Greenpeace USA.
