Charlie Kirk, founder of the conservative organization Turning Point USA, was fatally shot on Wednesday during an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. In the aftermath of this tragedy, Comedy Central has made the decision to remove a recent “South Park” episode from its scheduled rotation.
The episode in question, which originally aired in early August, featured a parody of Kirk portrayed by the character Eric Cartman. While pulled from television broadcast, the episode remains available on demand and through the Paramount+ streaming service.
Related: Assassin’s Bullets Etched with Transgender, Antifascist Symbols
Kirk himself had previously commented on the episode. Kirk described the portrayal as “hilarious” in a social media post on August 7th. He viewed the mention of his name on the popular animated series as a “big win” for his public profile.
Kirk had amassed a substantial following on social media platforms, with nearly 8.5 million followers on TikTok alone. His influence in conservative circles was considerable, making his sudden death a shock to many across the political spectrum.
Both Republican and Democratic leaders have condemned Kirk’s killing. President Donald Trump referred to the act as “heinous” in a video statement, calling Kirk a “martyr for truth and freedom.” This language underscores the emotional impact of the event on Kirk’s supporters.
Law enforcement agencies are currently conducting a manhunt for the suspected shooter. The investigation is ongoing, and many questions remain unanswered about the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.
This is a developing story, and we will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. Remember to keep Charlie Kirk’s family in your thoughts and prayers.
