The owners of Amelia Island Coffee in northeastern Florida have filed a federal defamation lawsuit against a customer who falsely claimed on Facebook that staff were celebrating the murder of conservative podcaster Charlie Kirk.
Ray and Paige Carter, who run the café in Fernandina Beach, say the allegation by Atlanta resident Blake Buchanan exposed them and their employees to threats of violence. The complaint states Buchanan knew the post was false, as no employee had made any comment about Kirk.
According to the lawsuit, a barista merely complimented a customer on a T-shirt that read “Problem Solved” with red splotches – a design available before Kirk’s assassination. Buchanan’s post, however, claimed workers were “openly celebrating Charlie Kirk’s murder”.
The Carters argue the post caused irreparable reputational harm and significant monetary losses. The case was initially filed in Florida state court and moved to Jacksonville federal court. Attorneys for both sides declined to comment or did not respond.
The café, open for more than 30 years, aims to be a safe and welcoming environment for all, regardless of political affiliation. The incident follows a wave of backlash against individuals perceived to have celebrated Kirk’s death, with figures like Laura Loomer and Donald Trump calling for professional repercussions.
