COLONIAL HEIGHTS, Tenn. (WJHL) – State Senator Bobby Harshbarger expressed his concern about comments made by two professors from East Tennessee State University (ETSU) on social media following the assassination of Charlie Kirk on Wednesday afternoon.

Harshbarger was notified of the comments by a constituent. He then urged ETSU to place the professors on administrative leave.

Harshbarger said these comments deeply disturbed him.

“The situation escalates from experiencing this loss yesterday to the frustrating reality of seeing so-called educated adults behaving in this manner and making such statements,” he remarked. “The issue is, if we don’t address this now, it will encourage similar actions in the future.”

Harshbarger said that these professors not only influence their students, but also the Northeast Tennessee community.

He added that comments made behind a screen are not taken less seriously than outright threats or hate.

“In today’s environment, it seems people feel empowered to be online warriors, thinking they can say nearly anything online without facing consequences,” he commented. “I hope this becomes a lesson that actions online can indeed have repercussions.”

Harshbarger said that Kirk’s death has him concerned regarding possible political unrest in America.

“I’m genuinely concerned for our nation,” he shared. “When we reflect on the 60s, it brings to mind the assassinations of Bobby Kennedy and Martin Luther King, a time when our nation was deeply troubled. While I can’t say we’re at that point now, I’m certainly worried.”

Harshbarger regarded Kirk as “a giant of a man” and credited him with urging young conservatives to open opportunities for debate and go vote.

He urged young conservatives not to let Kirk die in vain.

“Feeling sadness and grief is normal,” he noted. “That’s part of the healing process. What I suggest is to reflect on his beliefs and teachings and carry those forward as we move ahead.”

ETSU announced Thursday afternoon that the two professors were suspended.