McHenry Times

The owner of a McHenry record store is facing criticism after posting a controversial social media comment about the fatal shooting of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.

Tim Wille, owner of Vinyl Frontier Records, wrote in a now-deleted post: “I don't know who the fuck shot that man, but I'll buy him a beer.”

According to authorities, the suspect in the shooting has been reported to hold leftist political views and lived with a transgender roommate.

Wille’s comment began circulating widely on social media, drawing responses from conservative groups and calls for a boycott of his business.

A Facebook page titled Liberals for the Unemployment Line 2026 shared a screenshot of Wille’s post.

“Crazy thing about this guy is he claims to you know help others and actually reached out for help back in 2020,” the post said. “I’m sure people showed him mercy when it’s clearly obvious he doesn’t have any nor does he deserve it…..anyways Tim YOU’RE FIRED!!!!!!!” 

The post also included a link to an article referencing Wille’s public request for assistance during a hospitalization for pneumonia in 2020.

Wille’s post comes amid a series of disciplinary actions involving individuals across the country who have posted public reactions to Kirk’s death. Among those suspended, fired or placed under investigation are airline pilots, teachers, police officers, university staff and a Secret Service agent.

Officials in Florida, Tennessee and South Carolina have issued public statements calling for disciplinary measures in cases involving public employees accused of making what they describe as “celebratory hate speech.”

Kirk, 31, was fatally shot on Sept. 10 during a speaking event on a college campus in Utah. He was the co-founder of Turning Point USA and a prominent conservative political commentator.

A native of Arlington Heights and graduate of Wheeling High School, Kirk launched Turning Point USA from a garage in Lemont. The organization later grew into a national platform with a large following.

He is survived by his wife, Erika, and their two children.

President Trump called Kirk “deeply loved and influential.”