Delta
Air Lines and American
Airlines have both suspended employees for inappropriate social media remarks
made about the fatal shooting of conservative political activist Charlie Kirk.
In an internal memo obtained by CNN,
Delta CEO Ed Bastian confirmed that certain workers crossed the line online.
“We were made aware of Delta employees whose social media content, related to
the recent murder of activist Charlie Kirk, went well beyond healthy,
respectful debate,” he wrote. “These social posts stand in stark contrast to
our values and our social media policy, and these employees have been suspended
pending an investigation.”
American Airlines also confirmed that it had taken
disciplinary action against some workers, saying in a statement that those who
posted content appearing to “promote such violence on social media were
immediately removed from service.”
On X (formerly Twitter), the carrier wrote, “American
Airlines condemns violence of any kind. Furthermore, hate-related or hostile
behavior runs contrary to our purpose, which is to care for people on life’s
journey. Any such behavior is unacceptable, and we have already initiated
action to address this with our team.”
The moves come amid pressure from the Trump administration
to hold employees accountable for such behavior. Transportation Secretary Sean
Duffy weighed in strongly in a post on X, blasting the conduct and praising
American Airlines’ swift response.
“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," he wrote. "Any company responsible for the safety of the traveling public cannot tolerate that behavior. We heal as a country when we send the message that glorifying political violence is COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE!”
United
Airlines has not confirmed whether any of its own employees had to be
disciplined, but reminded its workforce of the carrier’s behavioral standards.
In a memo to pilots, the airline wrote, “As a good rule of thumb, if something
is not appropriate to be said at work, it would also not be appropriate to
convey via social media when the comments can be connected to your employment
at United Airlines.”
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