Newsday on Monday apologized for publishing an editorial cartoon that referenced the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, calling the image "insensitive and offensive" after the illustration prompted calls for a boycott and widespread criticism.
The cartoon, syndicated and drawn by Chip Bok, appeared in Saturday’s edition and depicted an empty chair under a tent labeled "Charlie Kirk" with a blood splatter beneath it while an arrow marked "Turning Point USA" pointed at the seat. The tent also included the words "Prove Me Wrong," a reference to the theme of Kirk’s Utah event, where he was fatally shot while holding an appearance at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. Newsday said the cartoon has been removed from its digital platforms.
In a statement, Newsday said it "deeply regret[s] the mistake and sincerely apologize[s] to the family of Charlie Kirk and to all," and called the publication of the cartoon an "error in judgement." The paper said Bok used the name of Kirk’s organization and the theme of the Utah event "to suggest that Kirk’s assassination might be a turning point for healing our nation’s divide," and that the imagery "was inappropriate and should have never been published in Newsday." The paper did not detail whether further internal editorial action would follow.
The depiction drew sharp criticism from local and national Republican officials and conservative commentators. Suffolk County Republican Party Chairman Jesse Garcia said the cartoon "crossed a line" and urged its removal. "By publishing a vile cartoon about the political assassination of Charlie Kirk, the paper has mocked tragedy, stoked division, and poured gasoline on the flames of political violence," Garcia said in a statement.
Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., described the illustration as "heinous." Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman urged residents to cancel subscriptions, calling the cartoon "unconscionable" and saying Newsday had abandoned any pretense of fairness. Trump campaign New Jersey delegate Mike Crispi encouraged New Yorkers to "drop your subscription." Those comments were among multiple public statements and social media posts demanding accountability from the paper.
Kirk, founder of the conservative group Turning Point USA, was shot during a public event at Utah Valley University. His death has intensified debate over political rhetoric and safety at public appearances and prompted scrutiny of media and public figures in their responses. Newsday’s apology came days after the shooting and follows a string of controversial reactions from public figures and outlets in the aftermath of the killing.
The cartoonist, Chip Bok, is a syndicated editorial illustrator whose work appears in multiple newspapers. Newsday did not say whether Bok or the syndication service would be subject to further action. The paper said the image had been removed from its digital platforms but offered no further details on editorial oversight changes.
Coverage of Kirk’s death has included discussions of political violence across the country, from attacks on elected officials to public threats against institutions. News organizations and public officials have urged caution in public commentary and called for measured responses while investigations into the shooting continue.
Newsday’s apology and the removal of the cartoon resolved the immediate controversy over the image, but the episode added to a larger national conversation about media responsibility and the tone of political discourse following the assassination. The paper did not provide a timeline for any additional steps it might take.
