Gunfire Hits ABC Station After Jimmy Kimmel Suspension
*Just days after Jimmy Kimmel was suspended, gunshots were fired into an ABC affiliate in Sacramento. The KXTV shooting came amid rising tensions over Kimmel’s remarks about conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s assassination.
The September 19 drive-by shooting left three bullet holes in the station’s lobby window. No injuries were reported, but the attack raised alarm about the escalating fallout from Kimmel’s controversial monologue and ABC’s response, NBC News is reporting.
What Triggered Jimmy Kimmel’s Suspension?
The controversy began on the September 16 episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live! when Kimmel discussed Charlie Kirk’s murder. He claimed MAGA supporters were twisting the narrative to avoid blame and score political points.
His exact words were: “We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it.”
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FCC Chair Threatens ABC Over Kimmel Comments
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, a Trump appointee, condemned Kimmel’s comments as “truly sick.” He warned ABC affiliates that they could face news distortion investigations if they didn’t take action against the late-night host.
In an appearance on Benny Johnson’s podcast, Carr said: “These companies can find ways to change conduct and take action, frankly, on Kimmel, or there’s going to be additional work for the FCC ahead.” He urged stations to preempt the show immediately.
ABC and Affiliates Pull the Plug on Kimmel
Nexstar Media Group, which owns over 200 stations including 32 ABC affiliates, quickly dropped Jimmy Kimmel Live! from its schedule. Sinclair Broadcast Group followed by airing a tribute to Charlie Kirk in Kimmel’s time slot.
Hours later, Disney-owned ABC officially announced that the show would be “pre-empted indefinitely.” Reports say Kimmel refused to apologize or make a donation to Kirk’s family, both of which were demanded by affiliates as conditions for his return.
Protests Grow Nationwide After Suspension
The suspension sparked protests outside ABC stations, including one at KXTV on September 18. About 15 people demonstrated, calling the network’s decision an attack on free speech.
Similar protests took place outside Disney Studios in Burbank and Kimmel’s own studio in Hollywood. Police have not confirmed whether the KXTV shooting was tied to the protest, but the timing has fueled speculation across social media.
The View Avoids the Controversy Entirely
ABC’s talk show The View remained silent about the controversy during its September 18 and 19 episodes. Co-hosts focused on topics like Jeffrey Epstein’s files, RFK Jr., and celebrity interviews instead.
Fans flooded social media and Reddit with outrage, questioning why a show known for tackling politics stayed quiet. A source claimed the hosts weren’t told to avoid the topic, but were trying to stay focused during the chaos.
FCC Escalates with More Threats Toward ABC
FCC Chairman Carr has since doubled down, saying the agency is “not done yet.” In a CNBC interview, he said Kimmel “misled” the public and floated investigating The View as a potential news program.
If reclassified, The View could be forced to provide equal airtime to political opponents. Critics see this as overreach, while Carr insists he’s protecting the public interest. The ACLU and House Democrats blasted Carr for abusing power and violating the First Amendment.
Why the Jimmy Kimmel Suspension Matters Now
This story is bigger than a late-night host. It highlights growing tensions between media companies, government regulators, and political power. The KXTV shooting shows how words on TV can lead to real-world consequences.
Even conservatives like Sen. Ted Cruz and Ben Shapiro warn that FCC pressure could backfire on right-wing media later. With protests, violence, and federal threats all in play, the debate over Kimmel’s suspension could shape how free speech is handled in the digital age.
Key Figures Respond to the Fallout
- Brendan Carr (FCC): Calls Kimmel’s comments misleading; threatens action on other ABC shows.
- President Trump: Praises the suspension and demands more late-night hosts be canceled.
- ABC/Disney: Suspends Kimmel indefinitely; has not addressed FCC threats publicly.
- Sen. Ted Cruz: Backs the suspension but criticizes Carr’s tactics as dangerous.
- ACLU & Democrats: Accuse Carr of coercion and violating the First Amendment.
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