Anthony P. Luke, chief of the Cleveland Division of Fire, has been placed on administrative leave after publicly posting “incendiary” remarks following the horrific public assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk.
According to Fox 8, which confirmed that Luke has been placed on leave, the now-deleted Facebook post contained a cartoon image of a rifle with the caption, “Bring out the next sacrifice!!” following Kirk’s assassination, which occurred during a speaking event at Utah Valley University on September 10.
Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb, a Democrat, confirmed that the post was brought to his attention, asserting that it fundamentally “romanticizes gun violence, a matter far too serious in a city where we mourn too many families every week, too many lives cut short, and too many children denied safe sleep in their beds.”
The mayor said he believes in free speech and that the First Amendment “protects every individual’s right to express opinions—even those that are unpopular, provocative, or difficult to hear.”
“But with rights come responsibilities, especially for those who hold positions of public trust and leadership,” he continued, explaining that someone in a position like Luke is a “standard-bearer for what the City of Cleveland stands for, what we teach our children, and how our neighbors should expect to be treated—and protected.”
“Chief Luke’s post crossed the line. It was insensitive, it was incendiary, and it did not reflect the values of compassion, unity, and safety that I strive to stand for—and that every public safety leader in this city should embody,” the mayor said, stressing that no one should ever “glorify violence.”
Rather, “We should confront it, heal from it, and work tirelessly to prevent its next occurrence,” he continued.
Bibb then confirmed that he placed Luke on paid administrative leave effective immediately “pending an investigation.”
“This is not a decision made lightly. Community leaders, public safety personnel, and all citizens of Cleveland deserve leaders who understand the gravity of gun violence and who act in ways that bring us together rather than deepen wounds,” he added.
The outlet added that there is also an ongoing investigation for inappropriate posts made by two other individuals serving in a public servant capacity.
These investigations come as others face firings or resignations across the country for publicly celebrating Kirk’s murder. Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) is vowing to get such individuals fired in her state, and Rep. Randy Fine (R-FL) is encouraging residents of his state to flag to his office inappropriate posts made by government employees or those working for entities that receive federal funding.
