Daijiworld Media Network – Long Island

Long Island, Sep 15: Newsday has issued an apology after a political cartoon depicting the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk sparked widespread outrage. The cartoon, published in Saturday’s edition, showed an empty chair stained with blood under a tent labeled “Charlie Kirk” and “Prove Me Wrong,” with an arrow pointing to the seat reading “Turning Point USA,” the nonprofit Kirk co-founded.

Pulitzer Prize finalist Chip Bok drew the illustration, which was condemned by readers and local leaders as “vile” and insensitive. Suffolk County Republican Party chairman Jesse Garcia called it a “reckless, partisan attack,” demanding the paper remove the cartoon, end Bok’s syndication contract, and apologise to Kirk’s family and subscribers. Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman also criticised the cartoon, saying it should erode readers’ trust in the newspaper.

In response, Newsday said the image was syndicated and not created by its staff but acknowledged it was inappropriate and insensitive. “We regret the error and apologise to our readers and to the family of Charlie Kirk,” the statement read.

Charlie Kirk, 31, was fatally shot last week at Utah Valley University during a Turning Point USA event. Tyler Robinson, 22, was arrested after a 33-hour manhunt and is in custody under special watch while undergoing a mental health evaluation.