Florida’s commissioner of education announced he is investigating reports of state educators who have posted “despicable comments” on the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Kirk, a 31-year-old conservative activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot during an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on Wednesday, Sept. 10, in what Utah’s governor described as a “political assassination.”
➤ Live updates: New video shows killer’s getaway after Charlie Kirk’s murder
The shooting, which was captured in graphic detail in video clips, sparked fear among the estimated 3,000 people attending the event.
As of Friday morning, Sept. 12, the manhunt for the suspect continues.
‘Despicable comments’ posted on social media by Florida educators
Florida Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas posted a memo Sept. 11 to all school superintendents saying he was conducting an investigation on posts made about Kirk.
“It has been brought to my attention that some Florida educators have posted despicable comments on social media regarding the horrific assassination of Charlie Kirk,” Kamoutsas said.
“These few are not a reflection of the great, high-quality teachers who make up the vast majority of Florida’s educators.
➤ Read the memo in its entirety
“Nevertheless, I will be conducting an investigation of every educator wo engages in this vile, sanctionable behavior.
“Although educators have First Amendment rights, these rights do not extend without limit into their professional duties. An educator’s personal views that are made public may undermine the trust of the students and families that they serve.
“Together we must uphold the highest standards of professionalism and keep Florida’s classrooms places of safety and academic achievement for every student.
“Govern yourselves accordingly.”
Gov. DeSantis: ‘Celebrating the assassination … is disturbing’
In a post on X, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said:
“Celebrating the assassination of a 31 year old father of two young kids is disturbing; that teachers would be among those who do so is completely unacceptable. Glad @StasiKamoutsas is bringing accountability.
“It is sad that we’ve seen a number of teachers across America celebrate Charlie Kirk’s murder.”
Flags flying at half-staff to honor Charlie Kirk’s memory
President Trump issued a proclamation Sept. 10, the day Kirk was killed, directing flags across the U.S. to be lowered to half-staff until sunset Sept. 14.
JD Vance accompanies Charlie Kirk’s casket to Phoenix, Arizona
Vice President JD Vance arrived to Salt Lake City aboard Air Force Two on Thursday and accompanied Kirk’s remains to Phoenix.
Tyler Bowyer, chief operating officer at Turning Point USA, posted a video showing Vance walking beside Kirk’s casket across the tarmac to Air Force Two.
Trump has told reporters he plans to attend Kirk’s funeral and said it could take place as soon as next weekend.
Manhunt continues for Charlie Kirk’s killer
The manhunt for the suspected gunman who fatally shot Kirk was continuing Friday, Sept. 12.
Officials are asking for the public’s help to identify a suspect seen on video fleeing the scene.
Authorities released new footage and enhanced still images of the suspected shooter, who has not been identified.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida education commissioner investigating posts about Charlie Kirk