Erin Napier, a star of HGTV's Home Town, drew social media scrutiny this week after posting that she would not "celebrate murder" in the wake of the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Hours after Kirk was killed during an outdoor campus event at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10, Napier wrote on her Instagram Story, "Only the demonized celebrate death." She followed that post with screenshots of direct messages she said were hostile and revolting, adding, "Unfollow me, immediately, if you could be one of those comments. Christ, have mercy on us all."
In subsequent posts Napier published on Friday, she shared specific messages from followers who criticized her response to Kirk's death. One user threatened to discard products bearing Napier's name and to stop watching Home Town; Napier replied in the post, "Because I will not celebrate murder." Another correspondent, identifying themselves as a psychiatrist, accused Napier of supporting Kirk and referenced his prior comments on gun policy and school shootings. Napier responded bluntly, writing, "You know nothing about why I am homeschooling my children, you sick goblin."
The dispute unfolded as law enforcement and public figures addressed the killing and its aftermath. Kirk, 31, was pronounced dead after the shooting. He is survived by his wife, Erika, and their two young children. By Friday morning, former President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that a 22-year-old, identified as Tyler Robinson, had been arrested on suspicion of aggravated murder and other charges; the post reflected the former president's statement but did not substitute for official charge filings. Later statements from federal authorities indicated the situation remained under active investigation. FBI director Kash Patel initially said a "suspect" was in custody; Patel later posted that a person of interest had been released after interrogation and that the investigation would continue.
Erika Kirk released a video through Turning Point USA on Friday offering personal remarks about her husband, saying, "Charlie loved, loved life. He loved his children, and he loved me with all of his heart. He made sure I knew that every day. He was the perfect father. He was the perfect husband."
The killing prompted a broad public reaction across the entertainment world, with some celebrities expressing condolences and calling for unity against political violence. Actor Chris Pratt posted that he was "praying for Charlie Kirk right now, for his wife and young children, for our country." Actress Mandy Moore said in an Instagram Story that "there is no room for political violence in this discourse," and urged efforts to reduce gun violence. Arnold Schwarzenegger and late-night host Jimmy Kimmel similarly described the shooting as a moment to reject violence and seek shared humanity. Other public responses ranged across the political spectrum, with tributes and calls for prayer coming from figures who knew or supported Kirk and denunciations of the shooting from those who opposed it politically.
Napier and her husband, Ben, have been prominent fixtures in the home renovation genre since Home Town premiered in 2016. The couple's franchise has expanded to include spin-offs such as Home Town Takeover and other related projects, and they maintain a substantial social media presence that often intersects with cultural and community issues. Napier's recent posts reflect a pattern in which entertainers and influencers are drawn into national debates when they comment on high-profile incidents.
The exchange on Napier's account underscores how quickly statements about a public figure's death can become polarizing online. Napier told followers she was "revolted" by some messages and urged those who would celebrate a death to unfollow her. Her posts drew further attention because they came amid a flurry of celebrity responses to the killing and ongoing law enforcement developments.
Authorities have said the investigation into Kirk's death is active. Officials have not released a final determination of motive. Napier's posts — and the public reaction to them — highlight the current intersection of entertainment figures, political polarization and national conversations about gun violence as the inquiry continues and the Kirk family grieves.