First Coast News reports that a Clay County teacher has been suspended, while a member of the Jacksonville Public Education Fund (JPEF) has departed over criticisms of the late Charlie Kirk.
Kirk, who was assassinated by a sniper’s bullet this week at the age of 31 while giving a speech on a Utah university campus, was a hero to many conservatives who are mourning his death.
Yet two public employees are facing severe consequences for using the occasion of his assassination to score political points. The controversial comments were highlighted by national conservative figures this week.
Leofric Thomas Jr. faced City Council removal from his position as the Data and Policy Manager for JPEF for implying Kirk’s death was an example of “reap what you sow” in social media posts highlighted by Scott Presler and reposted by Council President Kevin Carrico.
“When you spew hate, it’s what you get back. Charlie spewed nothing but hate, so what he got back, was … yeah,” Thomas said.
Repercussions were swift, and by the end of the day Thursday, Thomas’ employee page on the JPEF site was gone, as was his LinkedIn page.
JPEF had said to be handling the matter internally amid outcry from state officials, including calls for his termination from Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia.
Meanwhile, a Clay County teacher was suspended for her own comments.
“Charlie Kirk had 2 kids and STILL SAID gun deaths were the cost to keep the 2nd amendment … this philosophy led to his own death becoming an acceptable cost,” the teacher had posted. “One of the top five Trump surrogates. One less evil person on this planet.”
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