In a last-minute reversal driven by security fears, Sinclair Broadcast Group has scrapped plans to air a televised tribute to conservative commentator Charlie Kirk across its network of ABC affiliates. The decision came after a surge of violent threats against local stations, forcing executives to abandon the broadcast and release the program online instead.
The company, which controls more than 40 ABC outlets nationwide, had originally scheduled the special for late-night slots last week. But hours before airtime, Sinclair pulled the plug, shifting distribution to YouTube via its National News Desk channel.
Watch now: https://t.co/2OG7KE9S8Z pic.twitter.com/oRNt3vXnhU
— Sinclair, Inc. (@WeAreSinclair) September 20, 2025
Multiple reports said the retreat was triggered by threats targeting specific ABC affiliates after the suspension of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, whose controversial on-air remarks had already inflamed tensions.
The unease escalated sharply after a gunman opened fire on an ABC station in Sacramento. Police arrested Anibal Hernandez-Santana, who allegedly fired three rounds into the building. Social media posts linked to the suspect revealed a history of attacks on former President Donald Trump, though investigators have not tied the shooting directly to the Kimmel controversy.
In the wake of the attack, ABC affiliates nationwide began receiving anonymous warnings, reported The New York Post. Sinclair responded by notifying law enforcement and hiring private security consultants to assess risks. The company quickly adopted new safety measures, including increased surveillance and tighter access controls at its stations.
On Monday night, with the announcement that ABC would bring back Jimmy Kimmel after his suspension, Sinclair announced they would not be broadcasting his show.
Beginning Tuesday night, Sinclair will be preempting Jimmy Kimmel Live! across our ABC affiliate stations and replacing it with news programming. Discussions with ABC are ongoing as we evaluate the show’s potential return. pic.twitter.com/beGC6VID2x
— Sinclair, Inc. (@WeAreSinclair) September 22, 2025
They have demanded an apology from the late night host after he lied about Kirk’s shooter being a Donald Trump supporter. He was in reality a leftwinger with a transgender boyfriend who claimed Kirk was “full of hate,” text messages revealed.
Sinclair’s decision was met with calls for censorship by liberals (who just days before were decrying censorship).
Can’t wait to break Sinclair up. Corporate media consolidation doesn’t jibe with democracy. And although Sinclair isn’t a fan of democracy, most people are. https://t.co/hN77Uiroir
— Senator Scott Wiener (@Scott_Wiener) September 23, 2025
Many on the left believe that Americans must be forced to watch “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and appear to truly believe the late-night host and his purposeful false claims about the political assassination of Charlie Kirk must be heard.
[Read More: Erika Kirk Stuns Liberals With Major Decision]
Cowards. Don’t allow threats from lunatics to scare you.
Bravo move Sinclair on Kimmel loser ratings too
The ‘return’ of little jimmy is a tacit admission that his LIE about the assassin being MAGA was done intentionally and not merely due to misinformation. Prove me wrong.
Sinclair is the poster child for why “monopoly control of an industry” should be eliminated.