Elementary School Teacher Under Fire After Mocking Charlie Kirk’s Death at ‘No Kings’ Protest

A Chicago elementary school teacher is facing intense public backlash after being caught on video mocking the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk during a “No Kings” protest. The footage, which went viral over the weekend, shows the teacher making a gun-to-head gesture as a truck passed by flying a memorial flag honoring Kirk.

The woman, identified as Lucy Martinez, a staff member at Nathan Hale Elementary School, was seen among a group of protesters participating in the controversial “No Kings” movement. The movement, which has grown online in recent months, opposes what members see as authoritarian figures in American politics and culture. Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was assassinated on September 10, 2025, at a speaking event in Utah.

The video, which was widely shared on X (formerly Twitter), sparked outrage across the political spectrum. In the clip, Martinez appears to notice a pro-Kirk tribute vehicle driving by and responds by laughing and mimicking a gun to her head—an act many interpreted as a reference to Kirk’s fatal shooting.

Conservative media figures and parents alike expressed shock at the gesture, calling it “disgusting,” “unprofessional,” and “deeply inappropriate” for someone entrusted with educating children.

“This is who we put in classrooms?” one parent wrote online. “If this is how she behaves in public, how is she treating kids who don’t align with her views?”

Following the backlash, the website and social media accounts for Nathan Hale Elementary were temporarily taken offline. Chicago Public Schools (CPS) released a statement acknowledging the incident without naming the teacher, stating:

“CPS remains committed to creating and maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment. We do not condone any actions that promote violence or hostility.”

The school’s principal also sent a letter to families confirming that the staff member seen in the video is under internal investigation. The district declined to confirm whether Martinez had been suspended or placed on leave, citing privacy concerns.

Meanwhile, members of the “No Kings” protest defended Martinez, claiming the video was taken out of context and that her gesture was not meant to glorify violence. Some protesters accused conservative media of targeting public educators as part of a broader political agenda.

Still, the incident has reignited national conversations about teachers’ conduct outside the classroom, especially during politically charged times. Legal analysts note that while educators have First Amendment rights, school districts can take disciplinary action if off-duty behavior reflects poorly on the institution or compromises the educational mission.

This is not the first time a public figure’s death has sparked heated reactions among educators. Just days earlier, other educators and even a nurse were reportedly found celebrating Kirk’s death in private group chats, prompting disciplinary reviews in multiple states.

As CPS continues its investigation, many are calling for clearer policies regarding teachers’ public conduct and political expression, especially in an era of heightened social and ideological division.

Whether Martinez will face formal consequences remains unclear, but the incident serves as a powerful reminder of how public behavior, especially in the digital age, can carry lasting professional and societal consequences.