In September 2023, Johnathan Perkins, the former Director of Race & Equity at UCLA, was terminated after making inflammatory social media posts regarding the assassination of conservative figure Charlie Kirk. Perkins stated that he was dismissed because he expressed a lack of sadness over Kirk's death, which he claimed violated his First Amendment rights. He indicated plans to pursue legal action against the university citing these alleged infringements on his free speech. UCLA acknowledged Perkins's termination but did not comment on his claims specifically, emphasizing the school's commitment to free expression while condemning the celebration of violence. Perkins's posts, made on the social media platform Bluesky, included remarks such as his relief over Kirk's death while referencing Kirk's history of divisive statements, emphasizing that it was acceptable to feel happy when a person who promoted hate dies. These controversial posts elicited a significant backlash and prompted the university to investigate the matter, placing him on leave prior to his firing. Relatedly, the case surrounding the alleged assassination of Charlie Kirk exposed broader societal divisions, as reactions to the event varied widely across political lines. Following Kirk’s murder, Perkins’s situation illuminated a tension between individual expression on social media and institutional reactions to perceived hate speech. While Perkins sought support through a GoFundMe page to cope with his newfound unemployment, he framed his appeal as part of a larger fight against racism and in favor of free speech. His narrative reflects a growing confrontation between free expression and accountability in public discourse. Additionally, the context surrounding the assassination involves Tyler Robinson, who has been charged with murder and related crimes linked to Kirk’s death. The involvement of Robbie's partner, Lance Twiggs, also adds a layer of complexity to the unfolding events. Twiggs was initially provided FBI protection due to threats following the incident but is no longer under such protection. This indicates a potential shift in the safety concerns directly linked to the case and how it is perceived within the community, shedding light on the continuing repercussions of Kirk's assassination and its impact on those involved and the institutions associated with them.