Shelby Campbell, a Democrat contender for Michigan’s 13th U.S. House District, has ignited a firestorm with a TikTok video that mocks the tragic assassination of conservative figure Charlie Kirk, as Just the News reports.
Campbell’s video, posted just a day after Kirk’s death on Sept. 10, has drawn sharp criticism for its insensitivity, while her defense of it as “dark humor” and refusal to drop out of the race against incumbent Democrat Shri Thanedar have only fanned the flames.
Earlier this month, Kirk was fatally attacked, a shocking event that rocked conservative circles and beyond.
Just one day after the tragedy, on Sept. 11, Campbell took to TikTok with a jab at Kirk’s supporters, saying, “Hey, MAGA.”
She went on with, “How bad does it hurt that Jimmy Kimmel is back but you guys can’t get your person back?” Well, if that’s humor, it’s the kind that leaves a bitter taste, especially when tied to the return of a late-night host who’d been sidelined for his own controversial remarks about Kirk’s passing.
By Sept. 25, as the video exploded online, Campbell doubled down on X, confirming, “Yes it’s me.”
She added, “It’s called dark humor.” Dark, indeed -- more like a pitch-black misstep that’s got folks across the political spectrum calling for her to step aside in a race that’s already heated against Thanedar, who has held the seat since 2022.
The outrage isn’t hard to understand; a 31-year-old single mother and self-described “grassroots” candidate should know that words carry weight, especially when you’re vying for a seat in Congress.
Campbell’s campaign pitch on her fundraising page claims it’s about “community over corporations.” But mocking a man’s death in front of his family -- hardly the compassion she preaches.
In another statement, Campbell mused, “I don’t think anyone deserves to be murdered in front of their wife and children, but, life happens.” If that’s her idea of condolence, it’s as hollow as a drum, undermining any claim to empathy while still running against a fellow Democrat.
She continued, “When you support radical ideas and you say them out loud and they’re evil, bad things might happen to you.” Blaming the victim for their own murder is a bold strategy -- let’s see if voters buy that kind of moral gymnastics.
Meanwhile, Campbell isn’t the only Michigander catching heat over Kirk’s death; others have stumbled into the same quicksand of poor taste.
A co-owner of Newaygo Brewing Co. was suspended after a Facebook post labeled Kirk as “evil, hateful” and worse, tossing in a jab at conservatives as low-IQ dupes.
Over at Hopkins Public Schools, a middle school teacher also faced suspension for inappropriate classroom remarks about Kirk’s passing, while a Grand Ledge Public School District teacher made questionable social media comments but dodged any professional fallout.
These incidents, alongside Campbell’s video, paint a troubling picture of how some in Michigan are handling a national tragedy -- less with mourning, more with cheap shots. It’s a stark reminder that in the age of viral content, a reckless word can cost you dearly, whether you’re a candidate or a craft brewer. So, will Campbell’s “dark humor” be the punchline that ends her run, or will voters let it slide?
