Office Depot dismisses Michigan worker after refusal to print vigil posters for Charlie Kirk

A Michigan Office Depot worker was fired after a video went viral showing her refusing to print posters for a vigil in honor of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Breitbart reported that the company said the employee’s actions violated policy after members of the Kalamazoo County Republican Party were denied their prepaid order for a memorial poster.

The incident took place at Office Depot Store 3382 in Portage, Michigan, where party members had submitted an order to print posters for a prayer vigil. The order was reportedly paid for in advance before being declined by a store worker.

Video Of Incident Gains Millions Of Views

Michigan attorney and Republican activist Matthew S. DePerno posted the video on X, formerly Twitter. The post included footage of the exchange and a copy of the prepaid receipt, drawing attention to the store’s refusal to complete the job.

In the video, the employee described the poster as "propaganda" when asked why she would not process the order. When challenged by a customer who argued it was a memorial for “someone that passed away,” the employee responded by saying Kirk was a political figure.

At one point, a woman in the video asked, “What makes it propaganda?” The worker then replied, “Because he’s a political figure and I don’t have to—” before trailing off.

Company Issues Public Apology And Acts

Office Depot quickly addressed the matter after the video gained traction online, surpassing four million views on X by Saturday morning. The company released a statement condemning the conduct of the employee involved in the refusal.

The statement read, “The behavior displayed by our associate is completely unacceptable and insensitive, violates our company policies, and does not reflect the values we uphold at Office Depot.”

The woman shown in the video was dismissed by the company. Office Depot said it took the step to ensure its commitment to providing service without bias or discrimination was upheld.

Customers Seek Alternatives After Refusal

DePerno, who helped publicize the incident, shared that the group eventually went to FedEx to have the vigil posters printed. He stated that FedEx apologized and printed the materials free of charge.

His post about the second experience highlighted the contrast in service between the two companies, further fueling discussion across social media platforms.

The video and company response sparked a wider debate online, with some individuals calling for a nationwide boycott of Office Depot over the refusal and the company’s handling of the matter.

Growing Attention On Corporate Policies

Office Depot operates 845 stores across 44 states and the District of Columbia, making it a significant presence in the office supply industry. The company’s swift action in Michigan demonstrates its awareness of the potential impact such controversies can have on brand reputation.

In politically charged environments, businesses often face difficult situations when customer requests intersect with employee opinions. This incident underscores the challenges of maintaining corporate neutrality in highly polarized times.

The firing has drawn both criticism and praise online, with supporters arguing the company acted to protect fairness, while detractors say it created a chilling precedent for workers exercising discretion.

Political Context Adds To Backlash

Kirk, known as a free speech activist and founder of Turning Point USA, has long been a prominent conservative figure. His assassination earlier this month during a campus event in Utah prompted vigils and memorials across the country.

The posters in question were intended to promote a prayer vigil in his honor, making the refusal at the Michigan store particularly sensitive for supporters already grieving his death.

The combination of the viral video, widespread reposts, and national attention has made this incident more than a local dispute, with political implications reaching beyond Michigan.