Tulsa County Public Defender Chance Bennett Fired After Posting “Good” About Charlie Kirk’s Assassination
The death of Charlie Kirk has sparked reactions across the country, but few responses have drawn as much outrage as the one that came from a Tulsa County public defender. Chance Bennett, who had been serving in the public defender’s office, wrote a single word on Facebook after news broke of Kirk’s assassination: “Good.” That post, brief but loaded with meaning, spread quickly and ignited a firestorm of criticism. Within days, local leaders, law enforcement officials, and the wider community condemned her reaction. Soon after, reports confirmed that Bennett no longer worked for the Tulsa County Public Defender’s Office.
The reaction was swift and unforgiving. Sheriff Vic Regalado called the comment “outrageous” and “disgusting,” saying that no public servant should ever celebrate the killing of another human being, regardless of their political beliefs. Lawmakers like Jon Echols added to the chorus of criticism, pointing out that a public defender is entrusted with representing people fairly in the justice system. To see one openly celebrate a murder, especially in such a casual and dismissive way, raised serious questions about professionalism and judgment.
The Tulsa County Public Defender’s Office quickly distanced itself from Bennett. In a statement, they made it clear that her views did not reflect those of the office. The backlash also spread online, where screenshots of the post circulated widely before Bennett deleted her Facebook page. By then, however, the damage was done. The fact that she had responded with “Good” to the announcement of a man’s death—someone who, for many, was a leader and an inspiration—was enough to end her career in public service.
For those who admired Kirk, this moment felt like an insult piled onto tragedy. It was not just the loss of a young activist but the painful discovery that some people would choose to celebrate rather than mourn. For others, it raised larger questions about the climate of anger and division that has grown in the country. In a world where political differences are already tense, seeing a lawyer employed by the justice system react so callously struck a nerve.
The fact remains that Charlie Kirk was shot and killed at a public event, and the nation is still grappling with the shock. In the days since, tributes have poured in, with supporters describing him as a passionate advocate for young people and for his political cause. Against that backdrop, Bennett’s comment stood out like a harsh reminder of how polarized everything has become. The backlash she faced shows that there are still limits to what people will tolerate, especially from those who hold positions of public trust.
As of now, Bennett’s name has become tied to this controversy, and she has lost her position. Whether she will face further consequences is uncertain, but one thing is clear: her words carried weight, and in a moment of national mourning, they were seen as deeply inappropriate. It serves as a cautionary tale about the power of social media and the responsibility that comes with holding a public role. Even one word, written in haste or anger, can have the power to end a career.
This story is not only about the firing of one lawyer but also about the kind of society people want to live in. Celebrating violence, no matter who the victim is, only deepens divides and wounds that are already raw. The outrage over Bennett’s comment shows that, in the face of loss, many still believe that compassion should win over cruelty.
