Critics of the late conservative commentator Charlie Kirk have started the satirical "Kirkaversary" internet trend in light of the first anniversary of his death, prompting backlash from supporters who view the posts as profane.
Since Kirk's death, both sides of the political aisle in Tennessee have chimed in on his legacy and assassination. Those supporting the late GOP personality, including lawmakers, have successfully passed legislation, posted tributes and hosted events memorializing his death.
Critics, on the other hand, have faced repercussions for speaking out, as several individuals have lost jobs, been jailed and filed lawsuits concerning the violation of theirFirst Amendment rights.
The controversial internet trend has even made its
way to Tennessee, with state politicians and the University of Tennessee addressing a flyer that advertised a campus event they believe would celebrate Kirk's death.
What is the 'Kirkaversary'?
Coined by social media users, ‘Kirkaversary’ or 'Kirkiversary' is a term being used across the internet to mark the one-year anniversary of Kirk's assassination. In many instances, critics use the term to satirize and celebrate his shooting and death.
Examples of the trend include social media users creating celebratory gift baskets, playlists and satirical AI-generated videos. One such video was posted by Elon Loves Worf, showing sex offender Jeffrey Epstein intervene in Kirk's assassination.
"VILE: Left-wing streamer and content creator with nearly 6 million TikTok followers laughs while telling her audience that anyone who wasn’t 'giggling' about Charlie Kirk’s assassination the day it happened doesn’t get to celebrate this year," X account I Meme Therefore I Am wrote in response to a TikToker's "Kirkaversary" post.
"She’s branding the anniversary of his murder 'Kirkaversary' and treating the celebration of a public killing like a joke."
Hunter Kozak, who was asking Kirk a question when the shooting occurred, also responded to the trend after users shared footage showing the moment he witnessed Kirk's death.
"Hey! This video is of me. Sorry to put a damper on the funny little meme campaign that we have about a man dying but just want to share that I went to a carnival today to celebrate my daughter’s birthday and I had a persistent thought like ten times about someone shooting the place up," Kozak wrote on X.
"Like seriously, look at the f****ing context that this is in response to. It’s sick. You guys have something broken inside you to use this video as a response in the way you did."
'Kirkaversary' comes to the University of Tennessee, prompting backlash
The day before the anniversary of Kirk's assassination, conservative X account Libs of TikTok posted an image of a sign advertising a campus 'Kirkaversery' event "celebrating the first new year" after Kirk's death on the Health and Human Services lawn. They alleged the signs were posted University of Tennessee, Knoxville campus. A claim that has yet to be independently verified.
The day before the anniversary of Kirk's assassination,conservative X account Libs of TikTok posted an image of a sign advertising a campus 'Kirkaversary' event "celebrating the first new year" after Kirk's death on the Health and Human Services lawn. The account alleged the signs were posted on the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, campus, a claim that has yet to be independently verified.
The claim prompted a swift response from Republican figures in Tennessee, including GOP gubernatorial candidate and U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, who said she reached out to the university.
"Political violence and murder ought never be celebrated," Blackburn said on a Facebook post sharing Libs of TikTok's image.
Rep. Jason Zachary, R-Knoxville, also said he contacted UT leadership.
"No group has requested space on campus for an event. The below is not from any sanctioned UT club/organization. Leadership is still investigating & will take action tomorrow as needed," Rep. Zachary added in his X post.
"The university is not sponsoring any event related to Charlie Kirk’s assassination, and no organization has registered to use the HSS Lawn or any other reservable space for any such event. At this time, the university has not determined whether the flyers are connected to anyone affiliated with UT," UT spokeswoman Kerry Gardner said in a statement to the Knox News Sentinel, part of the USA TODAY Network, in response to the flyer.
"The University of Tennessee strongly condemns any message or activity that celebrates or makes light of violence or the loss of human life. We remain committed to ensuring our campus is a place that values civility and where human dignity is respected."
What is Turning Point USA doing for the anniversary of Charlie Kirk's death?
Turning Point USA is marking the first anniversary of Kirk's death with a memorial event called "Freedom Built to Last" at Utah Valley University, where Kirk was killed.
The event is scheduled for Sept. 10, 2026, and is intended to honor Kirk's legacy, free speech and leadership of the organization.
Is Tennessee doing anything to commemorate the anniversary of Charlie Kirk's death?
Despite several lawmakers and other Tennessee political figures commemorating Kirk through legislative efforts and public tributes, no major Tennessee-based anniversary events have been announced. However, the Turning Point USA chapter at Belmont University will host a memorial at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 10, according to its Instagram account.
Following Kirk's death, Tennessee lawmakers proposed a resolution to designate Sept. 10 as "Charlie Kirk Day," though the resolution was withdrawn.
The Tennessee General Assembly also approved naming a portion of State Route 286 in Sumner County the "Charlie Kirk Memorial Highway." However, after signs were erected, the move drew criticism from Vietnam veterans' groups because the route was previously called the "Vietnam Veterans Boulevard."
Due to the controversy, the signs were moved to Long Hollow Pike in Sumner County.
Beyond those two efforts, lawmakers considered legislation that would have required universities to install memorials to Kirk, though the bill stalled and did not pass. Legislators did, however, pass the "Charlie Kirk Act," a bill that aims to protect free speech but has sparked backlash over protest rights on college campuses.
The people who faced consequences after criticizing Charlie Kirk
While lawmakers have taken action to memorialize Kirk, others who have spoken out against the commentator have been punished.
Former Tennessee police officer Larry Bushart recently reached an $835,000 settlement after suing over his arrest and the threat of mass-violence charges stemming from a social media post about Kirk.. Bushart argued authorities violated his constitutional rights when they jailed him for the comments he made online about Kirk's death.
Austin Peay State University professorSteven Wampler faced similar scrutiny after he was fired and later reinstated following a social media post about Kirk's death. Wampler has since filed a lawsuit against Marsha Blackburn, alleging that she used her "governmental authority" to pressure the university into suppressing his free-speech rights after the post generated backlash.
When was Charlie Kirk assassinated and what is the status of the murder case?
Kirk, the conservative activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA, was killed Sept. 10, 2025, while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. He was 31.
Tyler James Robinson, the alleged gunman who shot Kirk, was apprehended on Sept. 12 after a roughly 33-hour manhunt. On Sept. 1, 2026, Judge Tony Graf ruled that Robinson would stand trial on all charges, including aggravated murder, a first-degree felony that makes him eligible for the death penalty, reported USA TODAY.
Robinson remains in custody awaiting trial, pleading not guilty to the charges. His next scheduled court date is a pretrial conference on Oct. 23.
Peter Burditt covers trending news and service journalism for The Tennessean. Contact him at PBurditt@nashvill.gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: What is 'Kirkaversary'? Online trend tied to Charlie Kirk assassination sparks outrage
