As Florida leaders launched a new online portal to report “violent extremism” on Monday, Florida Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas renewed his vow to investigate teachers who have posted messages that he says celebrate the assassination of right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk.
A Clay County teacher came under scrutiny shortly after Kirk’s fatal shooting on Sept. 10 over a social media post that referenced Kirk’s death, the district said.
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The post in question, purportedly made by a teacher at Ridgeview Elementary School, included a link to a story from the St. Augustine Record saying that Kirk had been killed in a shooting at a college campus event in Utah and included the caption (which was left unedited by News4JAX): “This may not be the obituary. We were all hoping to wake up to, but this is a close second for me.”
Kamoutsas said during Monday’s announcement that his office will be pursuing charges against the Clay County teacher. He said her comments encourage violence.
“Let me be clear. This is completely unacceptable, and it will not be tolerated as these posts continue to circulate,” Kamoutsas said.
News4JAX reached out to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office to ask about potential charges for the teacher. A spokesman responded, “At this time, we are not involved in this matter. Please reach out to the school district/attorney general’s office for any questions.”
In the wake of Kirk’s death, educators have come under particular scrutiny for online comments. Some apparently joking about the conservative activist’s death faced backlash and firings for what was deemed “hate speech.”
RELATED: Clay County teacher suspended over Facebook post referencing death of Charlie Kirk, district says
Kamoutsas addressed concerns about educators voicing opinions on social media.
“Any educator who makes vile, despicable comments celebrating and encouraging violence in schools will be investigated and held accountable,” he said.
State launches portal
What should be considered politically-motivated violence has become a hot topic since Kirk’s assassination, and the swift terminations some faced over their public remarks about his death.
Florida’s Attorney General believes the new statewide "Combat Violent Extremism Portal“ could offer a solution, although AG James Uthmeier did not define what that “violent extremism” might look like.
The site will allow people to send in evidence, like screenshots or videos, if they see threats related to what they believe might be violent extremism.
The reports, which can be made anonymously, will go directly to the Office of Statewide Prosecution, and prosecutors will review them to decide if legal action is needed.
“Threats of political violence will not be tolerated in Florida,” Uthmeier said.
Statewide Prosecutor Brad McVay promised that prosecutions of those threatening violence will be swift.
“Any individual who makes a threat that violates Florida law will be dealt with immediately,” he said. “We look forward to working closely with our law enforcement partners to safeguard the Free State of Florida from political violence.”
Please remember the portal is not meant for emergency reports. If you’re in immediate danger, you should still call 911.