In the wake of the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on September 10, 2025, several fire departments have opened investigations or placed employees on leave over their social media posts. At the moment, we have identified five cases that have made it into the headlines, but no doubt there are others.

Louisiana: New Orleans Fire Department

An employee of the New Orleans Fire Department is being investigated after posting what has been described as an insensitive comment regarding Charlie Kirk’s death. The post (apparently later deleted) allegedly said, “I think he should be forced to carry that bullet in his body. That bullet has a right to be there because it’s a gift from God.”

Fire Department leadership characterized the conduct as “unacceptable” and stated it does not reflect the values or mission of the NOFD. An administrative review under departmental policy has been initiated. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill also issued a statement saying the comment was “unacceptable and disturbing.”  More on the story.

Ohio: Toledo Fire & Rescue Department

Toledo Fire & Rescue is investigating a member following backlash over a social media post regarding Kirk’s death.  The post (from an account appearing to belong to a TFRD firefighter) reportedly included a line that said, “Wish the guy was a better shot,” among critical remarks about Kirk’s beliefs and political positions.

The department confirmed the investigation but has not publicly identified the commenter.  In connection with the controversy, Toledo Fire & Rescue locked down all its fire stations (restricting entry) for safety as a precaution amid public backlash. More on the story.

Tennessee: Nashville Fire Department

The Nashville Fire Department placed a paramedic on paid administrative leave for an alleged social media post about Charlie Kirk’s death. The department stated that it had initiated a fact-finding review under its civil service rules.

One report describes that the post shared a screenshot of content showing a “red box” with the caption “Just got my limited edition Charlie Kirk Labubu.”  More on the story.

Texas: Canyon Lake Fire / EMS (Emergency Services Districts 2 & 3, Comal County)

An EMT/paramedic, Danielle Marie Meyers, employed by Canyon Lake Fire/EMS (ESD 2 & 3) is under investigation after making a public Facebook post about the assassination.

The offending comment was, “Good riddance. Thoughts and prayers to the other guy.”  The post sparked public outrage in the community; department leadership and district officials issued statements that the post was unacceptable and announced an investigation. More on the story.

Ohio: Cleveland Fire Department

In Cleveland, a firefighter and an EMS staff member have been placed under internal investigation by the city’s Department of Public Safety. The investigations stem from social media activity that is alleged to have said in part: “The world is a better place now that he’s gone.”

The city confirmed the employees will continue in their roles during the process and that due process is being observed. More on the story.

The five cases are not unlike the wave of social media disciplinary cases we saw following the death of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri; or George Floyd in Minneapolis.

Some common features across the five cases:

• They involved public employees posting comments or sharing memes that mock or celebrate Kirk’s death, or praise the shooter.
• Departments responded with formal measures, including internal investigations, administrative reviews, or placing those involved on leave.
• In several instances, the investigations were triggered after public complaints or media attention raised concerns about public trust.