HGTV star Erin Napier drew a wave of online criticism after she posted on Instagram that she would not "celebrate" the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and later shared angry direct messages she said she received in response.
Hours after Kirk was fatally shot while speaking at a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10, Napier wrote on her Instagram Story: "Only the demonized celebrate death." She followed that with another post saying she was "revolted by some of the comments in my DMs" and urging users who sent hostile messages to "Unfollow me, immediately. If you could be one of those comments. Christ, have mercy on us all."
On Friday Napier shared screenshots of specific messages she said she had received from followers angered by her stance. One user wrote they would toss Napier’s products and stop watching her HGTV series, prompting Napier’s response: "Because I will not celebrate murder." Another correspondent identified as a psychiatrist accused Napier of supporting Kirk and referenced Kirk’s past comments about gun deaths; Napier replied, "You know nothing about why I am homeschooling my children, you sick goblin."
Napier, 40, co-hosts the HGTV home renovation series Home Town with her husband Ben Napier. The couple have expanded the franchise with spin-offs including Home Town Takeover and other related projects.
Kirk, 31, is survived by his wife, Erika, and their two young children. President Trump confirmed the arrest of 22-year-old Tyler Robinson on suspicion of aggravated murder, obstruction of justice and other charges, according to posts from the president. Erika Kirk released a video through Turning Point USA in which she described her husband as a devoted father and husband.
The shooting prompted responses across the public sphere, with actors, activists and media figures posting condolences and denouncing political violence. Chris Pratt wrote on X that he was "Praying for Charlie Kirk right now, for his wife and young children, for our country." Mandy Moore shared messages urging an end to political violence and calling attention to concurrent gun violence. Arnold Schwarzenegger wrote that politics had become "a disease" and urged Americans to "walk back from the extremes." Other public figures who commented included Candace Cameron Bure, Jake Paul, Rosie O'Donnell and Jimmy Kimmel, reflecting wide attention to the assassination and its aftermath.
Napier’s exchange highlights tensions that followed the killing, as some public figures declined to join celebrations of Kirk’s death while others offered unequivocal praise for him. In her posts, Napier emphasized a refusal to celebrate violence. The online backlash she posted reflected the polarized responses on social media in the days after the shooting.
Authorities have said the investigation remains active. Officials have not released a motive, and legal proceedings against the suspect are expected to follow standard criminal process. The shooting has renewed public discussion about political rhetoric, safety at public events and gun violence in the United States.