An elementary school teacher from Chicago has come under fire for mocking the assassination of Charlie Kirk during a recent protest.
Lucy Martinez, who teaches at Nathan Hale Elementary School, referred to the late podcaster as a “hero” while making a gun gesture with her finger on her neck, pretending to pull the trigger. This happened as a man in a pickup truck waved a flag nearby, as seen in video footage.
During the protest, several demonstrators responded angrily to counterprotesters.
Kirk, who was 31, was fatally shot in the neck by Tyler Robinson while speaking at Utah State University last month.
It’s currently unclear if Martinez faced any disciplinary action or if she was fired. Following the incident, the school’s website was taken offline.
Chicago Public Schools stated that it is committed to maintaining a safe and inclusive environment for teaching and learning, free from any form of harassment or bias. While they do not comment on specific personnel issues, the district noted that a consistent process is followed when misconduct allegations arise, and violations can lead to disciplinary actions.
After the video of her gesture went viral, many expressed their outrage. One comment highlighted concerns about who is entrusted with teaching children, suggesting that such behavior can lead to radicalization in adulthood.
The backlash prompted CPS to reiterate its policy of not discussing personnel matters in detail.
Another critic pointed out how unsettling it is for parents to think about their children being taught by someone like Martinez, who they deemed hateful.
Attempts to contact Martinez for her comments were unsuccessful on Monday.
