A Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) employee has been placed on administrative leave after making controversial comments about Charlie Kirk.[1]
Gavin Sylvia, a data analyst with FEMA since November 2024, posted on Instagram[2]: ‘Half mast for the literal racist homophobe misogynist?? [Be f****ing for real].’
The post questioned President Donald Trump[3]‘s order to have American flags flown at half-staff following Kirk’s assassination on Wednesday in Utah[4].
A FEMA spokesperson told the Daily Mail: ‘This employee’s words are revolting and unconscionable. He was immediately placed on administrative leave.
‘Celebrating the death of a fellow American[5] is appalling, unacceptable and sickening.’
Sylvia has previously shared politically charged posts on social media, including one image showing him and his grandmother pretending to vomit in front of Trump Tower.
Although he is on leave, the public is demanding that FEMA terminate him over the remarks[6].
‘FEMA, Gavin Sylvia needs to be terminated! Not placed on leave! Those of us who pay his salary want him terminated immediately!’ one American shared on X.
Gavin Sylvia was put on leave after complaints were issued about his posts. Although he is on leave, the public is demanding that FEMA terminate him over the remarks
Trump ordered that flags be lowered, with all three American flags at the White House dropped to half-staff to honor Charlie Kirk’s memory
Kirk was hit by a single bullet[7] while speaking to a crowd at the public university in Orem[8] on Wednesday afternoon.
The father of two, known for his fierce MAGA views and thrilling debates with college kids across the country, collapsed immediately after being hit by the gunfire and died shortly after[9].
Trump delivered a solemn message to the nation hours later, criticizing the ‘demonization’ of political opponents during a four-minute video posted to his Truth Social account.
‘Charlie inspired millions and tonight, all who knew him and loved him are united in shock and horror,’ the President said.
Trump also ordered that flags be lowered, with all three American flags at the White House dropped to half-staff[10].
It is unclear when Sylvia shared his post criticizing the order, but posts on X claim it was posted on September 11.
‘Such behavior does not reflect the values of public service and will not be tolerated at FEMA,’ the spokesperson added.
‘We expect all public servants to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, respect, and integrity.’
Kirk was hit by a single bullet while speaking to a crowd at the public university in Orem on Wednesday afternoon. The father of two was known for his fierce MAGA views and thrilling debates with college kids across the country
Sylvia has previously shared politically charged posts on social media, including one image showing him and his grandmother pretending to vomit in front of Trump Tower
Sylvia’s leave comes as other federal agencies closely monitor employee social media posts and reactions following Kirk’s murder.
‘It is unacceptable for military personnel and Department of War civilians to celebrate or mock the assassination of a fellow American,’ Assistant to the Secretary of War Sean Parnell posted on X. ‘The Department of War has zero tolerance for it.’
On Friday, President Trump and federal officials revealed that the suspected shooter, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, was in custody as the investigation into the assassination continues.
Law enforcement sources told the Daily Mail that Robinson was taken into custody as the alleged assassin who killed Kirk at a rally at Utah Valley University on Wednesday[11].
On Friday, President Trump and federal officials revealed that the suspected shooter, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, was in custody as the investigation into the assassination continues
The alleged killer confessed to his father, Matt, who owns a construction company, sources told the Daily Mail.
He reportedly told his father that he would rather kill himself than turn himself in, but was convinced to speak with a local youth minister who also worked with the US Marshals Service.
Robinson faces charges of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury and obstruction of justice, according to a probable cause affidavit obtained by NBC News.
Authorities said at a press conference on Thursday night that Robinson will face the death penalty if convicted.
For more on the murder that shocked America – follow Daily Mail podcast ‘The Assassination of Charlie Kirk,’ out now wherever you get your podcasts or on YouTube.
References
- ^ placed on administrative leave after making controversial comments about Charlie Kirk. (www.dailymail.co.uk)
- ^ Instagram (www.dailymail.co.uk)
- ^ Donald Trump (www.dailymail.co.uk)
- ^ Utah (www.dailymail.co.uk)
- ^ Celebrating the death of a fellow American (www.dailymail.co.uk)
- ^ over the remarks (www.dailymail.co.uk)
- ^ Kirk was hit by a single bullet (www.dailymail.co.uk)
- ^ public university in Orem (www.dailymail.co.uk)
- ^ died shortly after (www.dailymail.co.uk)
- ^ dropped to half-staff (www.dailymail.co.uk)
- ^ taken into custody as the alleged assassin who killed Kirk at a rally at Utah Valley University on Wednesday (www.dailymail.co.uk)