A woman named Natalie posted a joke on her private Facebook page about the recent death of Charlie Kirk, which was live for only 20 minutes before she deleted it after her husband suggested it was inappropriate. Unfortunately, the post was screenshotted during that short window, and the ensuing backlash escalated quickly. Within 24 hours, she began receiving death threats and abusive messages.
Natalie, a small business owner, felt overwhelmed as she tried to conduct a client call while being inundated with harassment. She reported receiving hundreds of threatening calls and emails, while also facing negative reviews for her business. The situation became particularly alarming when someone sent her a threatening message indicating they would visit her neighborhood. Natalie reported this to law enforcement, but had difficulty receiving a serious response.
Despite ultimately receiving police assistance, the process was hampered because of her small town’s conservative nature, leading her to seek legal help to address online threats. She explained that ongoing harassment has instilled a sense of paranoia in her, making everyday activities feel dangerous.
While she is not a public figure, Natalie has found herself entangled in broader right-wing backlash against individuals who speak unflatteringly about Kirk’s death. Several political figures have encouraged public punishment for perceived disrespect, with volatile threats against individuals expressing critical views about Kirk.
Natalie’s experience is influenced by the rise of right-wing harassment campaigns, which have roots in prior movements like Gamergate. The online environment facilitates harassment, raising questions about accountability and the implications of political discourse on social media. Since the event, she has adjusted her social media behavior significantly to avoid further backlash, indicating a chilling effect on free expression.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/policy/778972/right-wing-harassment-firings-charlie-kirk