Investigation Launched After Teacher Mocks Assassination

A teacher from Naples Central School District in New York has been placed on administrative leave following an outcry from parents and community members. This comes after he made a Facebook post mocking the assassination of Charlie Kirk, co-founder of Turning Point USA.

Patrick Freivald, a physics and robotics instructor, reportedly wrote that Kirk was “strapped by a bullet in his neck,” adding a dismissive “Good Riddance to Bad Garbage.” In a follow-up, he detailed Kirk’s final moments, which he described rather graphically, implying that Kirk blamed transgender individuals for gun violence before his demise.

He went on to compare Kirk to “an ambitious Goebbel,” stating that a bullet had resolved his troubles rather quickly. His tone was, well, shocking and left many in disbelief.

Principal Kevin Swartz addressed the situation in an email to families, emphasizing that an official investigation is underway. The community’s reaction has been filled with concerns and anger regarding the teacher’s posts.

Freivald continued his controversial remarks online, sharing further posts and even photos of himself wearing shirts with provocative messages about Kirk’s death. He has a history of engaging in heated disputes over political topics, previously denouncing critics in rather aggressive terms.

Notably, Freivald is also recognized as a horror writer, having received accolades such as the Bram Stoker Awards. In his defense, he has stated that he embraces the anger his provocative writing sometimes invokes.

As of now, both Freivald and the school district have not commented further on the situation. The investigation is ongoing, highlighting the delicate balance educators must strike in expressing their views in a public space.