Around the country, multiple people have lost their jobs after commenting on the death of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.
A Carolina Panthers communications coordinator was fired on Thursday are allegedly posting an Instagram story saying 'Why are y'all sad? Your man said it was worth it...' with a photo of Kirk.
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The Panthers released a statement reading, "The views expressed by our employees are their own and do not represent those of the Carolina Panthers. We do not condone violence of any kind. We are taking this matter very seriously and have accordingly addressed it with the individual."
It comes as others have been fired or suspended for their remarks on Kirk's death. On Thursday, MSNBC said political analyst Matthew Dowd was "no longer with the network" after his on-air comment about Kirk's killing about " hateful words" leading to "hateful actions."
Both MSNBC President Rebecca Kutler and Dowd issued public apologies following his commentary, which drew a heated reaction online.
Meanwhile, a reporter for the Floridapolitics.com news site was suspended for texting a Florida congressman a question about whether he was rethinking his position on gun control immediately after Kirk's shooting. Peter Schorsch, Floridapolitics.com publisher, said he was concerned reporter A.G. Gancarski was trying to provoke a source rather than initiate a serious policy question.
U.S. Rep. Randy Fine, a Florida Republican, texted back that he had learned of Kirk's shooting only 23 minutes earlier and was repulsed to get the question when people should be praying for Kirk's safety. “Never contact me again,” Fine wrote.
Victoria Kepes, an attorney who specializes in employment law, tells WRAL that in many states, employers can fire employees for whatever and whenever they please.
"In North Carolina, most employees are at-will. And that means your employer can fire you at any time for any reason or no reason," said Victoria Kepes, an attorney.
In South Carolina, a teacher was fired under similar circumstances. A Greenville teacher posted an "inappropriate message" on social media regarding Kirk's death and was placed on administrative leave before being let go.
Kepes says it's always best to err on the side of caution.
"Be very conscious of what you’re putting on your social media. Be aware that your employer is likely watching, and the best course of action is to remain private," said Kepes. "When I say remain private, I mean, don’t post things publicly on the Internet that might upset your employment.”
According to Kepes, some exceptions could give employees grounds to sue for wrongful termination, but more often than not, employers are within their rights.