The chief of the Cleveland Division of Fire was placed on paid administrative leave after sharing what Mayor Justin Bibb called an "insensitive" and "incendiary" social media post following the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.
The now-deleted Facebook post, which reportedly appeared on Anthony P. Luke’s personal page, featured a cartoon depicting elephants worshiping a golden rifle and a speech bubble reading, "Bring out the next sacrifice!!" The post was shared after Kirk, 31, a father of two, was shot and killed at a college campus event on Sept. 10.
Bibb said the post "crossed the line." In a statement the mayor acknowledged the protections of the First Amendment but said those rights carry responsibilities for public officials. "A public safety leader is not just another citizen: they are a standard-bearer for what the City of Cleveland stands for, what we teach our children, and how our neighbors should expect to be treated—and protected," Bibb wrote. He added that the post "romanticizes gun violence, a matter far too serious in a city where we mourn too many families every week."
City officials said the chief was placed on paid administrative leave effective immediately while the city conducts an investigation. Luke was appointed as Cleveland's 17th fire chief. The administration did not release a timeline for the inquiry or specify potential disciplinary actions.
The post was deleted after attracting attention. City officials and the mayor's office said the content and timing of the message were inappropriate for someone in a leadership position in public safety, especially in a city that has experienced repeated losses to gun violence.
Charlie Kirk’s death prompted national attention and debate over political violence and security at public events. Local leaders in Cleveland have frequently cited high rates of gun-related deaths and their impact on families and communities when discussing public safety priorities.
Bibb’s statement reiterated a distinction between free speech and the standards expected of officials who oversee public safety: "I firmly believe in free speech, and the First Amendment protects every individual's right to express opinions — even those that are unpopular, provocative, or difficult to hear. But with rights come responsibilities, especially for those who hold positions of public trust and leadership." The mayor said the leave is intended to allow the city to investigate the circumstances of the post and determine appropriate next steps.
The investigation is ongoing, and the city has not released further details about its scope or timeline. City officials declined to comment further while the review is pending.