A Federal Emergency Management Agency employee has been placed on administrative leave after publicly criticizing President Donald Trump's order to lower American flags to half-staff in memory of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, the Department of Homeland Security confirmed Friday.
DHS said Gavin Sylvia, a FEMA data analyst who joined the agency in November 2024, posted on Instagram questioning why flags were being flown at half-staff following Kirk's assassination in Utah and called Kirk a "racist homophobe misogynist." A FEMA spokesperson told Fox News Digital the comments were "revolting and unconscionable" and that "celebrating the death of a fellow American is appalling, unacceptable and sickening."
DHS confirmed that Sylvia has been placed on administrative leave. The department said such conduct "does not reflect the values of public service, and it will not be tolerated among individuals entrusted to work at FEMA," and that public servants are expected to "uphold the highest standard of professionalism, respect and integrity."
Officials at other federal agencies have also flagged and condemned online posts that appeared to celebrate or mock the targeted killing. The United States Coast Guard posted on X that any social media activity endorsing the murder or slander of Kirk "is contrary to our core values." An official identified in reporting as the Assistant to the Secretary of War said the Department of War has "zero tolerance" for military personnel or civilians celebrating an assassination.
Kirk, 31, a conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed at a Utah event on Wednesday. The FBI and local law enforcement have described the attack as a targeted killing and are seeking tips and surveillance footage as the suspect remained at large. President Trump ordered flags lowered to half-staff in Kirk's memory.
Senior federal employees quoted in reporting criticized those who posted disparaging remarks online after the killing. One senior official described such comments as evidence of "weak" behavior and said they were particularly offensive in the wake of a violent death. DHS sources told Fox News Digital that Sylvia's statements were disgraceful and said the analyst "has no place at the Department of Homeland Security or at any agency in the federal government."
Fox News Digital sought comment from Sylvia but did not receive a response. FEMA did not say whether it would pursue further disciplinary action beyond administrative leave as the department evaluates the matter.
The placement of Sylvia on leave underscores heightened scrutiny across federal agencies over employee social media activity following the assassination of a prominent political figure. Federal statements emphasized that employees are expected to refrain from celebrating violence and to adhere to conduct standards that reflect their roles as public servants.
