Model and influencer Josie Canseco drew sharp criticism after posting condolences for conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot last week at Utah Valley University.
Canseco, 28, shared an Instagram post calling Kirk “one of the smartest humans of our generation” and added a separate story post that condemned political violence, saying no one should celebrate a shooting regardless of political differences. The posts came after authorities confirmed Kirk, 31, had been killed and a suspect was taken into custody.
The posts prompted a wave of negative responses on social media, including on Reddit, where users called the tribute inappropriate and criticized Canseco’s characterization of Kirk. Comments quoted by users ranged from calling the tribute “delusional” to harsher insults. Some people said they would unfollow accounts that posted similar tributes.
Kirk, a right-wing political activist and commentator, was shot at Utah Valley University last Wednesday. Authorities arrested 22-year-old Tyler Robinson in connection with the killing after he surrendered to police on Friday, according to law enforcement reports. FBI Director Kash Patel said investigators found a note indicating the suspect planned to “take out” Kirk; Patel said forensic evidence confirmed the contents of the note, which investigators recovered from the suspect’s partner’s home. Patel did not specify whether the note was handwritten or digital.
Canseco also reposted on her Instagram story a text graphic that warned against celebrating violence aimed at people because of their political views. She is the daughter of former major league baseball player Jose Canseco and Jessica Canseco and has a public profile as an influencer and model.
The shooting has prompted broader public debate about responses to political violence and the online reaction to public figures’ deaths. Some public figures who commented on the killing also faced backlash. Interior designer Erin Napier, known for her work on HGTV, wrote on social media, “Only the demonized celebrate death,” and later posted that she had been “revolted” by hostile direct messages received after her comment.
Investigators continue to gather evidence about the motive and circumstances of the shooting. Officials have said the suspect is in custody and that authorities are pursuing forensic leads. The outcry over social media reactions illustrates the polarizing environment surrounding the death of a prominent political commentator and the public scrutiny faced by those who respond to high-profile incidents.
Representatives for Josie Canseco did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The investigation into Kirk’s death remains active, and law enforcement officials have so far released limited details as they continue interviews and forensic work.