Washington state high schoolers wear costumes to mock Charlie Kirk assassination on anniversary of his murder

On Thursday, the first anniversary of the murder of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, some students at Port Angeles High School in Washington state were wearing white “FREEDOM” shirts covered in what appeared to be fake blood, with at least one student appearing to simulate the fatal gunshot wound Kirk suffered when he was assassinated.

According to Brandi Kruse, host of the UnDivided podcast, the student also posted videos to social media mocking Kirk’s death, with one even including audio of the assassination itself. The students reportedly wore the costumes on September 10, exactly one year after Kirk was assassinated.

After the images began circulating, the Port Angeles School District said in a statement to Kruse that it “is aware of a photo circulating showing a student wearing clothing that did not meet District dress code expectations or the community standards we expect in our schools.”

“We first want to be very clear that clothing that depicts, promotes, or celebrates violence is not permitted or tolerated in our schools.”

“We take this issue seriously and have a responsibility to respond thoughtfully, consistently, and with appropriate due process,” the district said.

Officials did not disclose whether the students were suspended or faced other specific disciplinary consequences, citing privacy protections governing student discipline.

“Because student disciplinary matters are protected by privacy requirements, we cannot discuss actions involving individual students,” the statement continued. “We can share that appropriate corrective action is being taken consistent with district policy on this matter.”

The district concluded by addressing the distinction between student expression and conduct prohibited under school rules. “PASD supports students’ rights to express their views,” officials said. “However, those rights exist alongside our responsibility to maintain safe, respectful learning environments and to enforce District policies.”

The Port Angeles incident was not the only apparent attempt to mock or capitalize on the anniversary of Kirk’s assassination in Washington. In Seattle, an Instagram account called Pulsur Parties advertised a “Charlie Kirk Anniversary Party” for September 11, promoting the event as a “real party” and using the phrase “KIRKAVERSERY.”

The event advertisement listed a venue at 1535 NW Leary Way and said “professional security” would be provided. The same account also promoted a “#twerk4kirk contest,” asking followers, “Who will be participating in the #twerk4kirk contest? repost & tag me to join.”

The incidents came as other acts mocking Kirk’s assassination surfaced around the country. A statue of Kirk unveiled at Turning Point USA headquarters on the one-year anniversary of his death was vandalized over the weekend with red paint made to resemble the blood from the fatal gunshot wound to his neck. The statue was quickly cleaned and restored by TPUSA.

Andrew Kolvet, Kirk’s longtime friend and former producer, said, “The team rallied and got the statue back looking good as new,” adding, “Evil may never sleep, but neither do we. We won’t stop. We will win. They will lose.” Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, responded to the vandalism by saying, “Every attempt to tear down what Charlie built makes us root deeper and work even harder.”

A TPUSA billboard was also vandalized, with the word “Jesus” crossed out and replaced with “Satan.”