by Naples, NY – A high school physics and robotics teacher from the Naples Central School District has been placed on administrative leave following a backlash over social media posts in which he celebrated the assassination of Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk. The teacher’s inflammatory remarks drew swift condemnation from parents and community leaders, prompting a formal investigation.
Patrick Freivald wrote on Facebook that Kirk was “interrupted by a bullet to the neck” and referred to him as “bad garbage,” in a series of posts that mocked the tragic event in Utah where Kirk was fatally shot. The posts detailed Kirk’s final moments while expressing disdain for his political views, igniting outrage across the Naples community.
Community Outcry and School District Response
In response to the incident, Naples Superintendent Kevin Swartz sent an email to families condemning Freivald’s posts. Swartz described the situation as “shocking and saddening,” emphasizing that the district had received numerous concerns from residents. He confirmed that the teacher had been suspended while a formal investigation is ongoing.
“Like so many of you, I was shocked and saddened to hear of the terrible tragedy that transpired yesterday in Utah… all of your voices have been heard,” Swartz wrote.
- Freivald’s posts included harsh criticisms of Kirk’s stance on gun violence and transgender rights.
- He referred to Kirk as an “aspiring Goebbels” and employed derogatory language implicating Nazi comparisons.
- Subsequent posts escalated with insensitive remarks and images, including a shirt bearing the phrase “IS HE DEAD YET?”
Background on Patrick Freivald and Previous Controversies
The suspended teacher is no stranger to controversy. In August, Freivald openly disparaged critics on social media, lambasting Trump supporters and expressing confidence in his job security due to his tenure and union backing. He has previously called Trump supporters “MAGA f—wads” and denounced what he describes as support for “a fascist pedophile.”
Outside his teaching career, Freivald is a three-time Bram Stoker Award–nominated horror novelist and entrepreneur. He owns Frog’s Point Honey, known for its hot pepper–infused honey and maple syrup. His literary works include titles such as Twice Shy and Murmur, often exploring dark fantasy and horror themes. On his author blog, he has expressed being “pleased” when his work provokes offense or outrage.
Read Also: Father Held on $2 Million Bail After 1-Year-Old Found Dead in Car in LA’s View Park
What This Means for the School and Community
The incident has sparked a broader dialogue about professionalism, free speech, and political divisions within educational environments. The Naples Central School District is tasked with navigating community concerns while upholding standards expected of educators.
- The suspension underscores the district’s commitment to investigating the teacher’s conduct.
- Parents and community members have voiced the need for accountability and sensitivity.
- The case highlights tensions between personal social media activity and public roles.
Freivald and the Naples Central School District declined to comment further when approached by Fox News Digital. For more detailed information, visit the original Fox News report.
Community Reflections and Next Steps
The situation remains under investigation, with the school district balancing due process and community expectations. This event raises important questions about teacher conduct outside the classroom and the consequences of controversial speech.
“No space for fascists. No breath. No room. Silence is compliance,” Freivald previously stated, highlighting the polarized nature of the discourse surrounding him.
As the community awaits results from the investigation, many hope the case will foster constructive conversations around respect, responsibility, and unity.
What do you think about this incident and its implications for educators’ conduct on social media? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
