Cleveland fire chief faces backlash for incendiary post after Charlie Kirk's assassination

In the United States, the chief of the Cleveland Division of Fire, Anthony P. Luke, has been put on paid administrative leave due to a social media post he made following the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Kirk was assassinated on September 10, 2025, during a speaking engagement at Utah Valley University, an event that was described as tragic and shocking given Kirk's influence and role as the founder of Turning Point USA. Luke's now-deleted Facebook post included an incendiary cartoon that depicted a rifle and made reference to 'next sacrifice', which drew considerable criticism from city officials as it could be seen to trivialize gun violence. The post was brought to the attention of Mayor Justin Bibb, who deemed it fundamentally inappropriate and insensitive for someone in Luke's position of public trust and leadership. Mayor Bibb emphasized that such posts do not embody the values of compassion, unity, and safety essential for public safety leaders. He expressed belief in free speech but also highlighted the responsibilities that accompany such rights, especially for individuals holding significant positions in the community. Consequently, the Mayor announced that Luke would face an investigation, marking a severe response to his conduct amidst ongoing concerns over gun violence, particularly in a city afflicted by such issues. This incident has sparked discussions on the responsibility of public officials in maintaining community standards and the implications of social media statements during sensitive times.