Greenville County, South Carolina, September 19, 2025
News Summary
In Greenville County, South Carolina, three employees were fired for making inappropriate social media posts regarding the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The terminations, confirmed by County Administrator Joe Kernell, raised concerns about free speech and professional standards. The ACLU criticized the firings as a potential violation of First Amendment rights. The incident highlights the ongoing tension between personal expression and public service responsibilities, particularly in the wake of a politically charged murder case that has sparked widespread outrage.
Greenville County, South Carolina – Two Emergency Medical Services (EMS) workers and one employee from the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office were fired for social media posts related to the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The terminations were confirmed by Greenville County Administrator Joe Kernell during a meeting on September 16, following an investigation into the posts made after Kirk’s assassination on September 10 while he was participating in a debate at Utah Valley University.
The firings have raised significant concerns regarding conduct in life-or-death jobs, as highlighted by Councilman Steve Shaw. The posts made by the employees prompted scrutiny and led to immediate action by the county, which cited existing policies that mandate employees to uphold the reputation of their offices. The employees’ dismissals were executed under these regulatory frameworks as the county emphasized their commitment to maintaining professional conduct among its staff.
The American Civil Liberties Union of South Carolina has criticized the decisions to terminate the employees, arguing that the actions may infringe on First Amendment rights concerning political speech. This controversy highlights the complex balance between free speech and professional responsibilities in public service roles.
State Attorney General Alan Wilson provided legal guidance confirming that governing bodies, including Clemson University and other educational institutions previously involved in similar firings, have the authority to dismiss employees for social media comments that pertain to Charles Kirk’s death. Such terminations have also occurred at Coastal Carolina University and the Greenville County School District in response to public commentary about Kirk.
Following the tragic events surrounding Kirk’s death, law enforcement apprehended Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old man, as the individual charged with the murder. This incident not only underscores the gravity of the situation but also reflects the intense political climate surrounding the conservative activist, who was known for founding Turning Point USA and supporting former President Donald Trump. Kirk’s assassination ignited outrage across the political spectrum, further adding to the significance of the reactions from public employees.
In Greenville County, the Sheriff’s Office has stated that the terminated employee violated Rules and Regulations and General Order 152, which oversee social media conduct among personnel. The officials’ actions demonstrate the increasing scrutiny faced by public employees regarding their conduct on personal social media platforms, particularly when it intersects with divisive political events.
The implications of these firings serve as a cautionary tale for public sector employees regarding their online presence, especially in the face of sensitive societal issues. As debates about free speech and professional integrity continue, this incident reflects ongoing tensions between individual expression and professional standards within government services.
FAQ
What prompted the firings of the employees in Greenville County?
Two EMS workers and one sheriff’s office employee were fired for social media posts related to the death of Charlie Kirk.
When were the terminations confirmed?
The terminations were confirmed on September 16 during a meeting with Greenville County Administrator Joe Kernell.
What policies did Greenville County cite for the firings?
Greenville County cited existing policies emphasizing the obligation of employees to maintain the reputation of their offices.
How has the American Civil Liberties Union responded?
The American Civil Liberties Union of South Carolina criticized the firings, indicating they may violate First Amendment rights concerning political speech.
Who has been charged with Charlie Kirk’s murder?
Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old, has been arrested and charged with the murder of Charlie Kirk.
Key Features of the Firings in Greenville County
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Incident | Firing of employees for social media posts about Charlie Kirk’s death. |
| Employees Involved | Two EMS workers and one sheriff’s office employee. |
| Confirmation Date | September 16. |
| Legal Opinions | State Attorney General confirmed authority to fire employees for related comments. |
| Background | Charlie Kirk was killed on September 10, sparking intense political reactions. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WYFF4: Greenville County EMS Workers Fired
- Post and Courier: Greenville County EMS and Sheriff’s Office Terminations
- Fox Carolina: EMS Workers Terminated Over Social Media
- Greenville Online: Employees Fired for Social Media Posts
- WRAL: South Carolina EMS Tool for Heat Stroke
- Wikipedia: Charlie Kirk
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
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