Model and influencer Josie Canseco faced a wave of criticism after posting a public tribute to conservative commentator Charlie Kirk following his fatal shooting at Utah Valley University.
Canseco, 28, shared an Instagram photo of Kirk with a child and wrote, "Rest in paradise to one of the smartest humans of our generation. Praying for his family." She also reposted a text tribute on her Instagram Story that condemned politically motivated violence, saying that people cannot be "ok with someone being shot because you don't agree with their views and political beliefs. We have gone into a dangerous path and this can't be celebrated, tolerated, or allowed from anyone, anywhere, at anytime." The posts went live after authorities confirmed Kirk's death.
Reactions on social media were swift and sharply critical. Users on Reddit and other platforms called Canseco's praise for Kirk "delusional" and questioned her characterization of him as "one of the smartest humans." Several commenters criticized the tribute as tone-deaf; others said they had unfollowed accounts that posted similar messages.
Canseco is the daughter of former major league baseball player Jose Canseco and Jessica Canseco and previously dated NFL player Johnny Manziel. She has an active social media presence and a following that includes both personal fans and critics.
Kirk, 31, a conservative media figure and father of two, was shot last Wednesday at Utah Valley University. Authorities arrested 22-year-old Tyler Robinson after the shooting. FBI Director Kash Patel said investigators recovered evidence that a note existed in which the suspect allegedly wrote, "I have the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I'm going to take it." Patel said forensic evidence confirmed the content of the note, which was found at the suspect's partner's home, though he did not specify whether the note was handwritten or digital.
Robinson surrendered to police and was taken into custody on Friday in connection with the killing. Investigators have said the note was destroyed but that forensic work and interviews allowed them to confirm its contents.
Canseco’s posts are part of a wider online debate about public responses to the shooting. Some commentators and public figures condemned celebrations of the death, while others expressed relief or satisfaction, prompting additional backlash. Interior designer and television personality Erin Napier drew criticism earlier after posting that "Only the demonized celebrate death" and then responding to hostile direct messages she received.
Social media platforms have seen an influx of posts reacting to the killing, with users and public figures scrutinized for how they address political violence and the deaths of polarizing public figures. Legal proceedings in the Kirk case remain ongoing as investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the shooting and the alleged perpetrator's motive.
Canseco's posts and the online responses reflect continuing tensions over how political figures are discussed and memorialized in public forums. As the criminal case progresses, commentators and social media users are likely to continue debating appropriate expressions of grief, condemnation and political rhetoric in the aftermath of the attack.