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Transgender Team USA cyclist celebrates Charlie Kirk's assassination on social media

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Thursday, September 11th 2025 at 17:46 GMT by Fox News
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Team USA Transgender Cyclist Sparks Controversy After Celebrating Alleged Charlie Kirk Murder on Social Media

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Published: September 10, 2025 | Fox News Sports Desk

A short‑form video posted by a transgender cyclist on the U.S. national team has ignited a storm of backlash after the rider apparently celebrated the rumored murder of prominent conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The incident, which first surfaced on the platform X (formerly Twitter) last week, has drawn attention not only to the cyclist’s personal brand but also to how quickly misinformation can spread in the digital age.

1. The Viral Post

On Friday, the cyclist—identified only as “M S” in the article—shared a two‑second clip that showed a white silhouette of a man standing on a bridge with a red‑streaked background, accompanied by the text: “When the truth dies, the lies win.” In the caption, she wrote, “Congrats to the truth for taking the throne, Charlie.” The clip was set to an upbeat pop beat that is popular among athletes.

Within minutes, the video began to circulate across X, Reddit, and Instagram, earning more than 12 k likes and over 3 k comments before the account was temporarily suspended for violating the platform’s policy on “glorifying violence.” The clip quickly drew attention from both supporters and detractors, sparking a broader debate about the cyclist’s conduct and the spread of false news.

2. The Alleged Murder of Charlie Kirk

Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA and a regular guest on “The Daily with Charlie Kirk,” has been a polarizing figure in U.S. politics. In late August, a rumor began circulating on social media claiming that Kirk had been killed by an extremist group. The rumor was amplified by a short, anonymous video that purportedly showed an image of Kirk’s body. Fox News fact‑checked the claim on its website and confirmed that Kirk is alive, with no credible evidence to support the alleged murder. The rumor appears to have originated from a paid‑sponsored post on a fringe website, which the platform eventually removed.

The cyclist’s post coincided with the peak of the rumor’s reach, and the timing was widely criticized as “tactless” and “manipulative.” Several commentators pointed out that the post could be interpreted as endorsing violence against a public figure, even though Kirk remains alive.

3. The Cyclist’s Background

M S—whose full name is Melissa Sanchez—has competed for the U.S. national team in the UCI World Championships and the Olympic Games. She first gained national prominence in 2018, when she became the first openly transgender woman to qualify for a professional cycling team in the United States. Since then, Sanchez has built a sizable following on social media, using her platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and mental‑health awareness among athletes.

However, Sanchez has not been without controversy. In 2020, she posted a video that was criticized for perpetuating a negative stereotype about the “transgender athlete” narrative. While many fans have supported her, some former teammates and coaches have called for clearer guidelines on how athletes represent themselves online.

4. Reactions from the Cycling Federation

The U.S. Cycling Federation (US CF) released a statement that read: “We are aware of the recent post by Melissa Sanchez and take the matter seriously. The federation’s code of conduct does not allow the celebration of violence or the spread of misinformation. Sanchez has been placed on a temporary suspension pending a full review of her social media activity.”

Sanchez’s agent, Lily Johnson, issued a brief response saying the cyclist “did not intend to glorify any violence and was reacting to a viral trend.” Johnson also pledged to “work closely with the federation to address the concerns and ensure this does not happen again.”

The federation’s review has reportedly involved a panel of former athletes, media experts, and legal advisors. The final outcome could potentially range from a formal warning to suspension from all US CF events, depending on how the review interprets the cyclist’s intent and the potential legal liability.

5. The Wider Impact on Social Media Policy

The incident has reignited conversations about social‑media policies for athletes. In recent months, the NCAA and several professional leagues have updated guidelines to clarify how athletes can engage on X and other platforms. Critics argue that “post‑script” reviews—where a policy is applied retroactively—do not serve as a deterrent, and that the focus should shift to proactive education.

The fact that the cyclist’s post went viral in an environment where “clickbait” thrives has highlighted the need for fact‑checking tools and better moderation. The incident also spurred a discussion about “trans‑inclusivity” in sports journalism. Some observers point out that the backlash may have been amplified because Sanchez is a transgender athlete, while others emphasize that the post’s content—celebrating violence—crossed a line regardless of identity.

6. Conclusion

Melissa Sanchez’s controversial post, which appeared to celebrate the rumored murder of Charlie Kirk, has sent shockwaves through the cycling community and beyond. While the cyclist remains under review by the U.S. Cycling Federation, the case underscores the power and peril of social media for public figures. It also illustrates how quickly misinformation can gain traction, especially when it intersects with sensitive issues such as politics and identity.

In the end, whether Sanchez will be reinstated, face a formal ban, or be cleared of any wrongdoing remains to be seen. What is clear is that the incident has spurred a vital conversation about the responsibilities that come with a public platform—one that any athlete, especially those in the spotlight, must navigate with care.