MTSU fires assistant dean for saying she has ‘zero sympathy’ for Charlie Kirk’s death

OREM, UTAH: Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) announced on Wednesday, September 10, that it has terminated assistant dean Laura Sosh-Lightsy following her controversial remarks about the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

The decision came just hours after screenshots of her Facebook post circulated online, where she declared she had “zero sympathy” for Kirk, who was shot and killed during a campus event in Utah.

MTSU assistant dean fired after callous social media post on Charlie Kirk’s assassination

“Looks like ol’ Charlie spoke his fate into existence,” Sosh-Lightsy wrote, adding, “Hate begets hate. ZERO Sympathy.” Her post was shared by Arlington GOP chairman Matthew Hurtt, drawing immediate criticism across social media.

MTSU President Sidney A McPhee issued a statement condemning the remarks, saying they were “inappropriate and callous” and did not reflect the values of the university. “The comments by this employee, who worked in a position of trust directly with students, were inconsistent with our values and have undermined the university’s credibility and reputation with our students, faculty, staff, and the community at large. This employee has been fired effective immediately,” McPhee said.

He also extended condolences to Kirk’s wife and young children.

Political leaders demand accountability

The backlash against Sosh-Lightsy intensified as Tennessee Republicans weighed in. Sen Marsha Blackburn called for her removal, while State Rep Jason Zachary, an MTSU alumnus, denounced her words as “vile” and unacceptable for anyone in higher education.

“As an @MTSU alum, I’m disgusted,” Zachary wrote on X. “A person who has so little regard for basic decency, the value of life and then lacks the common sense to not post such vile, should NOT be in leadership at one of our universities. If you are a parent or student @MTSU, I encourage you to contact the school tomorrow requesting immediate action be taken. This person should not be employed in higher education in TN. I’ll be reaching out tomorrow as well.”

Sosh-Lightsy briefly doubled down with a follow-up post repeating “hate begets hate” before apparently deleting her Facebook account altogether.

Charlie Kirk shot dead at Utah College event

Charlie Kirk, 31, was killed at Utah Valley University after a gunman fired from a rooftop with a high-powered, bolt-action rifle from about 200 yards away. The shooter has not yet been captured, though police confirmed two earlier arrests turned out to be mistaken.

News of Charlie Kirk’s death first broke through a statement from President Donald Trump on Truth Social. He wrote:

“The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!”

The 31-year-old conservative activist had been leading one of his trademark “Prove Me Wrong” sessions, a centerpiece of his American Comeback Tour, when gunfire erupted.

Footage shared online captured the moment Kirk, standing under a white pop-up tent, was suddenly struck in the head or neck. Kirk was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition but did not survive.

Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA and a staunch Trump ally, leaves behind his wife, Erika Frantzve, and their two young children, ages 3 and 1.