American Airlines and Delta Airlines have taken swift disciplinary action against pilots who publicly celebrated the assassination of activist Charlie Kirk on social media. The controversy emerged after Milo Yiannopoulos shared inflammatory posts made by airline employees, prompting widespread backlash.

American Airlines confirmed it has “initiated action” against pilots involved, stating that those promoting political violence were immediately removed from service. A statement emphasized that such behavior “is disgusting” and incompatible with the company’s commitment to safety. The Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy also noted that affected pilots were grounded and stripped of their duties.

Delta Airlines responded similarly, suspending employees who posted derogatory comments about Kirk’s death. In a company-wide email, CEO Ed Bastian condemned the posts as “in stark contrast” to Delta’s values, adding that violations could result in termination. The airline reiterated its commitment to “integrity, care, and servant leadership.”

American Airlines further stated that employees who “promote” political violence face severe consequences, reiterating its stance against hate-related behavior. While the exact number of affected pilots remains unclear, both airlines emphasized their zero-tolerance policy for such actions.

The incident has sparked calls for stricter oversight, with critics arguing that individuals displaying such hostility should not be entrusted with public safety.