Kearney business owner facing backlash after online comments

KEARNEY, Neb. — A local business owner is facing backlash after sharing a controversial comment on social media in response to the recent shooting death of conservative activist and media personality Charlie Kirk. The incident has sparked conversation across central Nebraska about free speech, public discourse and the line between personal opinion and professional responsibility.

Charlie Kirk, a high-profile conservative commentator and founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot earlier this week in an event that drew widespread national attention. The motive behind the shooting is still under investigation. While many have responded with condolences, others have taken to social media with polarizing commentary.

Cindy Houlden, owner of The Lodge in Kearney and an adjunct professor at the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK), wrote in a public Facebook post:

“The shooting of any human is an abomination. The shooting of Charlie Kirk, while abhorrent, reeks of karma.”

The post quickly drew criticism from members of the community who felt the statement was inappropriate and disrespectful, particularly in light of the tragedy.

“It’s absolutely depressing to think that people think it’s karma,” said Cael Schoff, a Kearney resident.

“Everybody has a right to their own opinion, but to publicly voice it in a negative manner is not necessary and it should’ve never been done,” added Crystal Gruwell, another local resident.

Supporters of Kirk, including several people interviewed in central Nebraska, described him as a man of faith and morality. “This was a guy that was just trying to spread the gospel,” said Schoff. “He was just trying to be one of his many disciples.”

Scott Peterson, a Kearney resident, spoke about the broader cultural implications and the spiritual direction of the nation.

“God intended our world to operate a certain way, and we all understand that at a core level — that there’s some injustice and devastation plaguing our nation,” said Peterson. “I think that’s a sign that we all desire something more than what the world has to offer right now.”

Peterson also encouraged grace and empathy during tense moments like this. “I like to paraphrase a quote by C.S. Lewis that says something like, ‘Assume the best in others, in their intentions and words, and it can solve a lot of our problems.’”

UNK responded to inquiries by confirming that Houlden is currently employed as an adjunct faculty member but emphasized that her views do not represent the university, “Personal social media posts represent the individual’s own views and are not statements on behalf of UNK. This matter involves a personnel issue, and we will not be commenting further.”

The incident underscores an ongoing national debate about the intersection of personal expression, public platforms and professional roles, especially in smaller communities where public figures often wear multiple hats.

According to a 2024 Pew Research Center study, 63% of Americans say that people are too quick to take offense to things others post online, while 56% also say that people should be held accountable for what they post, particularly when they hold positions of influence.

Additionally, a 2023 Gallup survey found that 74% of Americans support free speech as a core democratic value, yet many also believe there should be consequences for speech that’s seen as inflammatory or harmful in public forums.

Calls to The Lodge for comment were not returned by the time of publication.