GoFundMe Removes Fundraiser for Charlie Kirk Shooting Suspect

A GoFundMe page that appeared to support Tyler Robinson, the suspect arrested in the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, has been taken down following public backlash. Robinson, a 22-year-old from Utah, was arrested on September 10, 2023, after the incident that has drawn significant media attention. As authorities investigate his role in Kirk’s death, the existence of the fundraiser sparked outrage online.

The GoFundMe page, allegedly organized by Robinson, claimed that he was raising funds in light of the shooting. A user on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) shared images of the page, highlighting a statement that suggested Robinson acted in response to political sentiments. This prompted a wave of criticism and scrutiny from users questioning the ethics of supporting someone accused of a violent crime.

In response to the growing concerns, GoFundMe issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to its community guidelines. The platform emphasized that its Terms of Service explicitly prohibit fundraisers for the legal defense of individuals accused of violent crimes. GoFundMe stated, “Any attempted fundraisers for the suspected shooter will be swiftly removed from the platform & fully refunded. Our hearts go out to the Kirk family & everyone impacted by this tragedy.” Shortly after this announcement, a search for any active fundraisers linked to Robinson revealed none on the site.

The public reaction to GoFundMe’s statement was mixed. Some users expressed skepticism about the platform’s ability to effectively monitor new campaigns, with one user asking whether GoFundMe would actively audit campaigns to prevent circumvention of its policies. Another individual requested information about the identity of the fundraiser’s creator, speculating on whether they were even based in the United States.

Many users voiced their relief that GoFundMe had acted quickly to remove the page. One user remarked, “Good. I was prepared to use every ounce of my energy to shame you guys if you did not put a stop to this and so would millions of others.”

In a related development, a GiveSendGo page was established to support Charlie Kirk’s family, including his wife, Erika, and their two children. The page has reportedly raised nearly $500,000 within a day of its launch, reflecting the public’s support for the Kirk family during this difficult time.

The incident highlights the complexities surrounding online fundraising platforms and their role in sensitive situations involving criminal allegations. As discussions continue, the community remains focused on the implications of such fundraisers and the responsibilities of platforms like GoFundMe.