Bullitt County tattoo studio severs ties with artist for ‘celebrating’ death of conservative influencer

MOUNT WASHINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) — Amid the death of Charlie Kirk, founder of the pro-limited government nonprofit Turning Point USA, Kentucky leaders condemned the act of political violence that took his life.

From Democrat Gov. Andy Beshear to the Republican Party of Kentucky, officials said political violence had no place in the US. Beshear ordered all state flags to be flown at half-staff on Wednesday to honor Kirk and his memory.

On Thursday, Prevail Tattoo in Mount Washington announced that a viral video had been shared online showing an artist allegedly “laughing and celebrating” in response to the news of Kirk’s death.

“We want to make it absolutely clear: this person’s actions do not reflect the values, beliefs, or standards of Prevail Tattoo,” the tattoo studio staff announced on Facebook. “Effective immediately, this individual is no longer affiliated with our shop.”

Prevail’s staff wrote that the studio strives to be a safe place, but on the heels of the former artist’s behavior, the business and the families of other tattooers and staff members have been getting threats.

“We do not take this lightly. The safety of our staff, clients, and community is our highest priority, and we are taking appropriate steps to ensure that safety moving forward,” Prevail announced Thursday. “We ask for understanding as we continue to focus on what we are here to do — provide exceptional art in an inclusive, respectful environment.”

On Sept. 11, The Hill reported that MSNBC fired political operative and contributor Matthew Dowd over comments he supposedly made on the air just minutes after the conservative activist’s assassination.

An investigation into Kirk’s death is still active, with the search for his killer ongoing.