A Polk City firefighter will receive nearly $200,000 after she was fired for online comments made about the killing of Charlie Kirk.
Kirk, a conservative activist, was shot and killed during a Sept. 10 speaking event in Utah. His death drew reactions ranging from grief to mockery, and hundreds of people nationwide who posted social media messages perceived as callous or celebratory faced backlash, including firings.
In Iowa, at least 10 public employees were investigated or disciplined, including Alissa Furry, a Polk City firefighter-paramedic. According to court filings, Furry made several posts and comments on her private Facebook page, including “choose to ‘not celebrate’ but also not be sad” and a meme stating, “Today in America: we interrupt the assassination at a college to bring you news of a shooting at a high school.”
Furry deleted the posts and deactivated her account on the same day after a coworker reportedly shared them with the fire chief. She was put on leave Sept. 16 and fired Oct. 24.
In her lawsuit, she accused the city of violating her First Amendment rights by disciplining her for off-duty political speech.
In a statement, Spencer Willems, the attorney who represented Polk City, said it did not admit any wrongdoing.
“While Polk City leaders maintain that Ms. Furry’s termination was within the bounds of the law, they also realize that Polk City is in the business of serving its community — not engaging in lengthy and expensive litigation,” he said. “After consultation with the city’s insurers, Polk City leaders agreed that settlement was necessary so that municipal departments and staff could move on and focus on their mission: serving the citizens of Polk City. The city’s insurer will pay Ms. Furry $189,000 on the city’s behalf as well as fees to her counsel.”
Attorneys for Furry did not respond to messages seeking comment.
Furry’s lawsuit is just the latest involving Kirk comments to result in a payout for a fired or disciplined worker. Previously, an attorney fired by the Iowa Public Defender’s Office was awarded $125,000 in a settlement. A Creston teacher who sued before her termination was finalized received $145,000. Other cases, including a fired Oskaloosa teacher and a Knoxville education aide, remain pending.
William Morris covers courts for the Des Moines Register. He can be contacted at wrmorris2@registermedia.com or 715-573-8166.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Firefighter fired for Charlie Kirk comments receives settlement
Reporting by William Morris, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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By William Morris, Des Moines Register | USA TODAY Network
