Customer in viral video speaks about Charlie Kirk poster incident at Office Depot

PORTAGE, Mich. — West Michigan is currently in the spotlight following an incident at an Office Depot in Portage, where an employee declined to print a poster for a prayer vigil organized by supporters of Charlie Kirk, a political activist who was murdered. A video of the interaction has gone viral, raising discussions around free speech.

The organizer of the vigil, James Asher, reported that he had submitted an order for the poster, which aimed to memorialize Kirk, but was informed shortly before the event that it would not be printed due to its political nature. After learning about the refusal, Asher and a friend approached the store to speak with staff members directly.

According to Asher, a manager indicated during their conversation that law enforcement might be contacted, although that measure was not taken. Subsequently, a local FedEx store agreed to print the poster at no charge. After the incident, Office Depot acknowledged the employee’s actions as “unacceptable and insensitive,” and noted that the manager involved is no longer with the company.

The story has generated various reactions online, with some arguing Office Depot should have fulfilled the printing request, while others defended the company’s decision. Asher expressed hope that the attention drawn to the situation would encourage discussions about consumer choices and the larger implications of free speech.

A second vigil in remembrance of Charlie Kirk is scheduled to take place at Western Michigan University on Sunday evening.