Model and influencer Josie Canseco faced backlash after posting a tribute to Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist who was fatally shot during a campus event. Canseco, 28, daughter of former baseball player Jose Canseco and model Jessica Canseco, shared a message with her 1.2 million Instagram followers, calling Kirk “one of the smartest people of our time” and expressing sympathy for his wife and children.

In a follow-up Instagram story, Canseco clarified her position, emphasizing that no one should ever condone violence over political disagreements. She urged people to reject any mindset that justifies or celebrates such acts, regardless of differing beliefs.

Despite her attempts to strike a respectful tone, Canseco received a wave of negative reactions online. Some users criticized her for what they viewed as glorifying Kirk, calling her comments misguided or insensitive. Others mocked her intelligence or vowed to unfollow her, illustrating the deep polarization surrounding Kirk’s legacy.

She’s not the only public figure to receive criticism for mourning Kirk. HGTV personality Erin Napier also drew ire after posting a brief tribute. When she received negative messages in her DMs, Napier responded firmly, calling out those who celebrate death and urging critics to unfollow her.

Kirk, 31, was the founder of Turning Point USA, a conservative youth organization. He was shot on September 10 while speaking at Utah Valley University. The suspect, a 22-year-old man, was arrested days later after his father helped identify him. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that a note detailing the suspect’s intent was discovered and had been partially destroyed.

Canseco’s experience highlights how contentious public discourse has become. Even expressions of sympathy for a high-profile figure’s death can ignite debate, underscoring the intensity of political and cultural divisions in the digital age.