A Salisbury Middle School teacher is facing backlash after posting a meme about the shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who has since died of injuries he sustained in the Utah shooting.
Kirk, 31, was killed by a single gunshot on Wednesday afternoon while speaking in front of some 3,000 people as part of his “American Comeback Tour” at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, about 40 miles south of Salt Lake City.
Here’s the latest on the Wicomico County educator and also the latest on the Charlie Kirk case.
The memorial for Charlie Kirk at the Turning Point Headquarters in Phoenix on Sept. 11, 2025.
On Sept. 12, President Donald Trump said a suspect in the shooting is in custody.
Salisbury Middle School teacher shares meme about Charlie Kirk
Salisbury Middle School teacher Jay Waggoner shared a meme about the Charlie Kirk shooting online the night of Sept. 10, the day that Kirk was shot in Utah.
According to The Baltimore Sun, the meme depicted President Donald Trump whispering to Kirk, “This Epstein thing won’t die, gonna need you to take one for the team.” Above the meme it said “bait and switch,” implying the assassination was meant as a distraction, according to the Sun.
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Meme draws backlash from Wicomico executive, school board responds
Julie Giordano, Wicomico County executive, gives a speech about the proposed downtown Salisbury University performing arts center, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, in Salisbury, Maryland.
Wicomico County Executive Julie Giordano issued the following statement after she noticed Waggoner’s post online.
“The tragic and senseless death of Charlie Kirk has shaken so many across our nation, and like many of you, I have been deeply disturbed to see some of the horrific and inappropriate posts circulating on social media in response to this loss. Regardless of political views, celebrating or mocking the death of any individual is cruel, unacceptable, and has no place in our community.
“I am aware of the concerns regarding a post allegedly made by a staff member at Salisbury Middle School. While personnel matters fall under the responsibility of the Board of Education and the Superintendent, I share in the concern and outrage that someone entrusted with the care and education of our children would engage in such behavior. Our children deserve to be taught and mentored by adults who model respect, compassion, and responsibility.
“As a community, we must be better than this. Political disagreements should never cross into the realm of dehumanization or the glorification of violence. I call on everyone in Wicomico County to set a higher standard — one of civility, decency, and respect for all human life.”
When contacted on the morning of Sept. 12, the Wicomico County School Board issued the following statement:
“We are aware of a social media post by a Salisbury Middle School teacher Wednesday evening. The posting of a meme and comments in relation to a very serious incident has been an unexpected, unnecessary and unwelcome disruption to school and school system operations. The social media post does not reflect the values of Wicomico County Public Schools and the Wicomico County Board of Education, and is not what we expect of our employees.
“We truly appreciate those who have taken time to share their concerns and assure everyone that this personnel matter is being immediately addressed. Wicomico County Public Schools staff are reviewing the situation carefully and will take appropriate action in accordance with our policies and commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful learning environment for our students. We thank those who have contacted us out of concern for our students and their education.”
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President Donald Trump says suspect is now in custody
President Donald Trump is pictured in 2024 shaking hands with Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk in Phoenix.
Authorities have the suspect who fatally shot Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist and a close political ally of President Donald Trump, in custody, the president said early Friday.
“We have him,” Trump said in an interview on Fox and Friends.
Trump said with a “high degree of certainty,” law enforcement has the suspect in the Kirk killing in custody.
“Essentially, somebody that was very close to him turned him in,” Trump said.
This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: Salisbury Middle School teacher draws backlash on Charlie Kirk meme