Teachers Receive Death Threats Following False Claims About Halloween Costumes
Teachers at Cienega High School in Arizona have been targeted with online harassment and death threats after a Turning Point USA spokesperson falsely claimed their Halloween costumes mocked the assassination of Charlie Kirk, cofounder of TPUSA.
Incident Overview
On Friday, the math department at Cienega High School wore matching blood-stained white T-shirts with the phrase “Problem Solved” printed in black. A photo of the group was shared on the Vail School District’s Facebook page. According to the district superintendent, John Carruth, no students or parents expressed concerns during the school day about the costumes.
False Accusations and Reactions
The following day, Andrew Kolvet, executive producer of Charlie Kirk’s show, reposted the photo on X (formerly Twitter), accusing the teachers of mocking Kirk’s murder. He wrote:
“Concerned parents just sent us this image of what's believed to be teachers in [Vail School District] mocking Charlie's murder. They deserve to be famous, and fired.”
Kolvet implied the white T-shirts resembled the “Freedom” T-shirts Kirk wore when he was assassinated while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on September 10.
School District Response
The Vail School District and superintendent John Carruth have not received any complaints about the costumes during school hours. The accusation has sparked significant backlash towards the teachers, including doxing and threats.
Summary
The situation highlights the dangers of misinformation, as false claims can provoke serious harassment against innocent individuals.