Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) fired its assistant dean on Wednesday after she blatantly said she had “zero sympathy” for Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk’s death.
Laura Sosh-Lightsy, the now-former assistant dean, wrote on Facebook that Kirk “spoke his fate into existence” by getting shot in the neck during an event at Utah Valley University, screenshots posted by Arlington GOP chairman Matthew Hurtt show. A statement from MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee announced that the university instantly fired Sosh-Lightsy for the “inappropriate and callous comments” made about Kirk.
“Looks like ol’ Charlie spoke his fate into existence,” Sosh-Lightsy said. “Hate begets hate. ZERO Sympathy.”
“An MTSU employee today offered inappropriate and callous comments on social media concerning the horrific and tragic murder of Charlie Kirk. 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. We extend our deepest sympathies to the Kirk family,” McPhee said in the statement.
The fired assistant dean wrote in a follow-up Facebook post that “hate begets hate” and that she does not feel sorry for the death of Kirk. She appears to have deleted her Facebook account.
Sosh-Lightsy’s remarks caused instant backlash among the public, including Republican Tennessee Sen. Marsha Blackburn, who called on the former assistant dean to be fired. Republican Tennessee state Rep. Jason Zachary, an alumni of MTSU, condemned Sosh-Lightsy’s insensitive comments and called for her firing.
“As an @MTSU alum, I’m disgusted. A person who has so little regard for basic decency, the value of life and then lacks the common sence 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,” Zachary wrote on X.
Kirk died in the hospital after a shooter, who has not yet been identified or detained, fired a bullet with a high-powered, bolt-action rifle from a rooftop located 200 yards away. Authorities are still searching for the assailant after making two false arrests on Wednesday.
Some Democrats and members of the left-wing media have shifted blame on President Donald Trump and Republicans for the rise in political violence. However, much of the violence has targeted conservatives, including the two assassination attempts against Trump in July and September of 2024.
MSNBC fired political analyst Matthew Dowd after he claimed on Wednesday that Kirk made himself a target through his so-called “hate speech.”
The Turning Point USA founder leaves a wife and two young children, ages 3 and 1.
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