A Naples Central School staff member has been placed on leave pending an investigation into alleged posts made on social media referencing the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, Naples Superintendent Kevin Swartz said in a Facebook statement on Sept. 11.
Kirk, 31, was participating in a Q&A session with students at Utah Valley University in Orem on Sept. 10 when he was shot. He later died from his injuries.
“Last evening, the district became aware that an NCS staff member made multiple posts to a personal social media site referencing this tragedy,” Swartz wrote on Facebook. “Since that time, we have heard from many community members regarding concerns and outrage related to these posts. I want to be very direct in saying to you that all of your voices have been heard.”
Swartz said a formal investigation into this incident is underway and that the district will follow all of its policies and procedures.
The employee who was placed on leave has not been named.
The details of the alleged social media posts were not disclosed in the statement.
Charlie Kirk leaves behind two children
Kirk has become a national figure as a conservative influencer and as the founder of Turning Point USA, an organization that pushes for conservative politics on high school and college campuses. In 2024, he spoke at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, where he gave a speech focusing on what Kirk says he heard from young people around the U.S.
He was married to Erika Kirk, an entrepreneur, and the couple has two children. Their daughter was born in August 2022, and they had a son in 2024.
NY leaders react to Charlie Kirk’s death
Elected officials across New York quickly issued statements condemning political violence:
National leaders join in condemnation
Former and current U.S. leaders also expressed condolences and emphasized the need for peace:
— Madison Scott is a journalist with the Democrat and Chronicle who covers breaking and trending news for the Finger Lakes Region. She has an interest in how the system helps or doesn’t help families with missing loved ones. She can be reached at MDScott@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Upstate NY school staffer placed on leave over social media posts about Charlie Kirk shooting
Reporting by Madison Scott and Emily Barnes, New York Connect Team / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
