Josie Canseco, model and influencer, has come under fire after sharing a heartfelt tribute to slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The post quickly ignited outrage among her followers.
“One of the Smartest Humans”
Canseco, 28, daughter of baseball legend Jose Canseco and former model Jessica Canseco, posted a tribute to her 1.2 million Instagram followers last week. Alongside a photo of Kirk holding one of his children, she wrote: “Rest in paradise to one of the smartest humans of our generation. Praying for his family.”
In a follow-up story, she shared another message: “No matter what your beliefs are you can never be ok with someone being shot because you don’t agree with their views and political beliefs. We have gone into a dangerous path and this can’t be celebrated, tolerated, or allowed from anyone, anywhere, at any time.”
Kirk, 31, founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed during a campus event at Utah Valley University on September 10. He leaves behind his wife, Erika, and their two young children.
Social Media Turns on Her
Despite her attempt at empathy, Canseco’s words were met with fierce backlash online. Critics accused her of glorifying Kirk, with many branding her as “delusional.”
On Reddit, one user wrote: “Rocks for brains.” Another added: “Calling him smart or a hero is absolutely delusional. He was just a conservative influencer with hateful rhetoric.”
Others openly mocked her intelligence: “She’s not very bright, is she.” Another commenter said: “This is deada* gross.”*
One follower went so far as to say Kirk tributes had become a reason to unfollow influencers altogether: “I am getting such a good view of who to immediately unfollow. Just unfollowed a channel on YouTube over his Charlie Kirk tribute.”
Widening Debate
Canseco isn’t the only public figure facing criticism over comments about Kirk’s death. HGTV star Erin Napier, known for her show with husband Ben renovating small-town homes in Mississippi, also waded into controversy.
“Only the demonized celebrate death,” Napier wrote in a brief tribute post, before quickly following up after a barrage of hostile messages in her DMs. “I am revolted by some of the comments in my DMs. Unfollow me, immediately, if you could be one of those comments. Christ, have mercy on us all.”
The Investigation
Meanwhile, new revelations continue to emerge in the investigation. According to FBI Director Kash Patel, the suspect accused of Kirk’s killing allegedly left a note declaring his intent. “I have the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it,” Patel said, adding that forensic evidence confirmed the existence of the destroyed note.
The 22-year-old suspect was arrested last week after being turned in by his father. He faces charges including aggravated murder and obstruction of justice.
For Canseco, the controversy highlights the volatile divide surrounding Kirk’s legacy. It’s also a reminder that even tributes to the fallen activist can spark a firestorm.
