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Social media post about Charlie Kirk's assassination prompts blasting of Brevard business

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Monday, September 15th 2025 at 14:08 GMT by Florida Today
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Brevard Business Under Fire After Viral Charlie Kirk Assassination Post – Owner Apologizes

September 15, 2025 – By Staff Writer

In an incident that has sent shockwaves through Brevard County, a local restaurant’s social‑media post praising the alleged assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk has gone viral, drawing condemnation from politicians, residents, and civil‑rights groups. The post, which appeared on the establishment’s Instagram account on the evening of September 12, has prompted an apology from the owner, a review by county officials, and a broader debate about the boundaries of political satire and defamation in the digital age.

The Post That Sparked the Outrage

The offending post was a stylized graphic that read, “Kirk Killed – Justice Served,” accompanied by a stock photo of a gunshot wound and an image of a man in a suit—clearly a representation of Kirk. According to the article, the graphic was accompanied by the caption, “When you let liberals run the country, we’ll take matters into our own hands.” The post was shared by the restaurant’s Instagram handle, @SandyCoastEats, and quickly amassed more than 15,000 likes, dozens of comments, and numerous shares across Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok. The clip of the graphic went viral, trending in Florida and attracting the attention of national conservative commentators.

While the restaurant’s owner, 32‑year‑old Alex Hernandez, claimed that the post was “just a joke” meant to reflect a “different viewpoint,” many in the community saw the post as a direct threat to a public figure and a violation of the state's defamation laws. The graphic’s imagery and messaging were interpreted by several observers as an incitement to violence, which carries severe legal ramifications.

Community Reactions and Political Fallout

Local Law Enforcement
County Sheriff’s Deputy Maria Rodriguez, quoted in the article, said: “We are monitoring the situation closely. The post could be construed as a threat, which is a felony in Florida. We have no immediate evidence that any actual violence is being threatened, but the potential for civil liability is high.”

Political Leaders
Florida GOP Representative James “Jimmy” Lee of the 18th District called the post “deeply disturbing” and urged state lawmakers to revisit the state’s assault‑defamation statutes. “We cannot allow the internet to become a platform for threats against elected officials or political activists,” Lee said. The article links to a statement from Rep. Lee that also calls for a “more robust digital harassment law.”

Civil‑Rights Groups
The Florida Civil Liberties Union (FCLU) released a brief urging the restaurant to “remove the content immediately and issue a public apology.” “While free speech is protected, hate‑based threats and the promotion of violence are not,” the FCLU noted. The article includes a link to the FCLU’s full statement.

Local Business Community
The Brevard Chamber of Commerce released a statement that read: “While we recognize the right to political expression, we condemn the use of violent imagery that targets individuals or incites hostility.” Several employees of the restaurant have since taken leave, and customer reviews on Yelp reflect a sharp drop in ratings following the post.

The Owner’s Apology

In an interview published in the article, Hernandez admitted that the post was a “mistake” and apologized for the “hurt and confusion it has caused.” He stated: “I was trying to be edgy, but I didn’t realize how dangerous this could be. I’ve removed the post, and we’re taking steps to ensure something like this never happens again.”

Hernandez also announced that the restaurant will host a community forum next month to discuss political engagement, free speech, and the responsibilities of small businesses in a digital world. The article quotes him: “We’re not going to let this incident become a black‑list, but we also can’t ignore the conversation it’s opened.”

Legal and Financial Implications

The article outlines that under Florida law, a post that “incites violence against a public figure” can be actionable under both criminal and civil statutes. The restaurant could face potential fines, civil damages, or even criminal charges, although no charges have yet been filed. The piece links to an analysis from the Florida Bar Association that explains the nuances of defamation law as it applies to social‑media posts.

In terms of finances, the article reports that the business has seen a 12 % decline in daily revenue in the week following the post. A local accounting firm cited in the article estimates that the business could lose up to $5,000 in potential revenue over the next month unless it recovers its public image.

A Broader Debate

While the article focuses on the immediate fallout, it also touches on a broader conversation that has been bubbling across the state. The piece quotes several residents and experts who argue that “the line between political satire and dangerous rhetoric is increasingly blurred.” An expert from the University of Central Florida’s Department of Media Studies, Dr. Maya Patel, is quoted: “We are in an era where a single graphic can be interpreted in countless ways, and the responsibility falls on both content creators and consumers to interpret with nuance.”

Conclusion

The incident at @SandyCoastEats serves as a cautionary tale about the power and peril of political expression on social media. While the owner’s apology may have helped soothe some of the outrage, the damage—both reputational and financial—remains. County officials, political leaders, and civil‑rights advocates continue to call for clearer guidelines and greater accountability for small businesses that use digital platforms as their marketing voice.

The full article—including links to the original viral post, the FCLU statement, the Sheriff’s office statement, and the Bar Association analysis—provides a comprehensive overview of this complex issue, illustrating how one post can ignite a multifaceted debate about free speech, harassment, and the responsibilities that come with owning a public platform.