DC Comics has terminated author Gretchen Felker-Martin and canceled the "Red Hood" comic book series after the writer made inappropriate social media comments following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
The entertainment giant, owned by Warner Bros. Discovery, sent a statement to NTD News addressing the termination: "At DC Comics, we place the highest value on our creators and community and affirm the right to peaceful, individual expression of personal viewpoints. Posts or public comments that can be viewed as promoting hostility or violence are inconsistent with DC's standards of conduct."
DC Comics sent a notice to retailers canceling all existing orders for "Red Hood" issues 2 and 3, along with future installments of the series. The company will credit retailers for all invoiced copies of "Red Hood" #1, including copies already sold.
Kirk, 31, was assassinated Tuesday while speaking at Utah Valley University during his "American Comeback Tour." The CEO and co-founder of conservative youth organization Turning Point USA was a prominent podcaster and Trump ally who opposed transgender ideology.
On Thursday night, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson was arrested in Kirk's killing. Utah Gov. Spencer Cox announced Robinson's arrest, saying investigators believe he acted alone. Robinson was held without bail on charges including aggravated murder and felony discharge of a firearm.
Robinson fired a single shot from a distant rooftop while Kirk was speaking at a debate. Videos posted on social media show Kirk reaching for his neck as blood gushed from the left side after the gunshot.
Cox said Robinson's family reported he had become "more political in recent years" and criticized Kirk, saying "Kirk was full of hate and spreading hate.”
The Carolina Panthers also fired communications staffer Charlie Rock over social media posts that appeared to question public sympathy for Kirk and shared a Wu-Tang Clan song "Protect Ya Neck," which some interpreted as referencing the deadly neck shot.
The FBI recovered a bolt-action high-powered rifle hidden in a towel in a wooded area where Robinson fled. A $100,000 reward was offered for information leading to Robinson’s arrest.
Robinson is scheduled to make an initial court appearance Tuesday, with formal charges expected by then.