MTSU Fires Assistant Dean Over Controversial Comments on Charlie Kirk’s Death

Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) dismissed an assistant dean on Wednesday after she openly stated that she had “zero sympathy” regarding the death of Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA.

Laura Sosch Litesy, the now-former assistant dean, expressed her thoughts in a Facebook post, where she mentioned that Kirk “makes his fate exist” after he suffered a gunshot wound to the neck during an event at Utah Valley University. Following these comments, MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee announced her immediate termination due to “inappropriate and ruthless comments” concerning Kirk.

“It seems that Charlie spoke his fate into being,” Litesy remarked. “Hate creates hatred. I have zero sympathy.”

In response to her remarks, President McPhee stated, “Today, an MTSU employee made inappropriate and ruthless comments on social media regarding Charlie Kirk’s tragically horrific murder. Such comments, especially from someone in a position of direct trust with students, undermine the university’s credibility and reputation.”

In a follow-up post, the dismissed assistant dean reiterated that she “didn’t like” Kirk, emphasizing her lack of remorse over his passing. It seems she has since deleted her Facebook account.

Litesy’s comments prompted a swift backlash, including criticism from Tennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn, who called for action before Litesy’s firing was announced. Another MTSU alumnus, Senator Jason Zachary, also condemned her remarks and stated that individuals lacking basic decency should not hold leadership positions in educational institutions.

“As an MTSU alum, I’m tired of this. Those who fail to show fundamental decency and respect should not lead in our universities. If you’re a parent or student at MTSU, I urge you to contact the school and demand action. This person should not be part of Tennessee’s higher education system,” Zachary expressed on social media.

Kirk unfortunately died after being shot by an unidentified assailant who fired a bolt-action rifle from a rooftop 200 yards away. Authorities continue to look for the shooter after having made two mistaken arrests on Wednesday.

Some Democrats and members of the left-leaning media have been accused of contributing to an environment of political violence, with many noting that this violence has predominantly targeted conservatives. This includes two assassination attempts against former President Trump in 2024.

In a related incident, MSNBC let go of political analyst Matthew Dowd after he suggested that Kirk had brought violence upon himself through “hate speech.”

Charlie Kirk is survived by his wife and two young children, aged three and one.