A Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) employee has been placed on administrative leave after making controversial comments about Charlie Kirk.
Gavin Sylvia, who has served as a data analyst at FEMA since November 2024, took to Instagram to say: ‘Half-mast for the actual racist homophobe misogynist?? [Seriously, be real].’
The post questioned President Donald Trump’s order to have American flags flown at half-staff following Kirk’s assassination on Wednesday in Utah.
A FEMA spokesperson told the Daily Mail: ‘This employee’s words are revolting and unconscionable. He was immediately placed on administrative leave.
‘Celebrating the death of a fellow American is appalling, unacceptable and sickening.’
Sylvia has a history of sharing politically charged content online, such as a photo of him and his grandmother appearing to mimic vomiting in front of Trump Tower.
Although he is on leave, the public is demanding that FEMA terminate him over the remarks.
One user on X expressed, ‘FEMA, Gavin Sylvia should be fired! Leave is not sufficient! As taxpayers funding his salary, we demand his immediate termination!’
Gavin Sylvia was placed on leave following complaints about his social media activity. Despite the leave, the public is calling for FEMA to end his employment due to his comments.
Trump ordered that flags be lowered, with all three American flags at the White House dropped to half-staff to honor Charlie Kirk’s memory
Kirk was hit by a single bullet while speaking to a crowd at the public university in Orem on Wednesday afternoon.
A father of two, recognized for his strong MAGA beliefs and engaging discussions with college students nationwide, succumbed to gunfire and tragically passed away shortly afterward.
Hours later, Trump conveyed a somber message to the public, condemning the ‘demonization’ of political rivals in a four-minute video shared on his Truth Social platform.
‘Charlie inspired millions and tonight, all who knew him and loved him are united in shock and horror,’ the President said.
Trump also ordered that flags be lowered, with all three American flags at the White House dropped to half-staff.
It is unclear when Sylvia shared his post criticizing the order, but posts on X claim it was posted on September 11.
‘Such behavior does not reflect the values of public service and will not be tolerated at FEMA,’ the spokesperson added.
‘We expect all public servants to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, respect, and integrity.’
Kirk was hit by a single bullet while speaking to a crowd at the public university in Orem on Wednesday afternoon. The father of two was known for his fierce MAGA views and thrilling debates with college kids across the country
Sylvia has previously shared politically charged posts on social media, including one image showing him and his grandmother pretending to vomit in front of Trump Tower
Sylvia’s leave comes as other federal agencies closely monitor employee social media posts and reactions following Kirk’s murder.
‘It is unacceptable for military personnel and Department of War civilians to celebrate or mock the assassination of a fellow American,’ Assistant to the Secretary of War Sean Parnell posted on X. ‘The Department of War has zero tolerance for it.’
On Friday, President Trump and federal officials revealed that the suspected shooter, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, was in custody as the investigation into the assassination continues.
Law enforcement sources told the Daily Mail that Robinson was taken into custody as the alleged assassin who killed Kirk at a rally at Utah Valley University on Wednesday.
On Friday, President Trump and federal officials revealed that the suspected shooter, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, was in custody as the investigation into the assassination continues
The alleged killer confessed to his father, Matt, who owns a construction company, sources told the Daily Mail.
He reportedly told his father that he would rather kill himself than turn himself in, but was convinced to speak with a local youth minister who also worked with the US Marshals Service.
Robinson faces charges of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury and obstruction of justice, according to a probable cause affidavit obtained by NBC News.
Authorities said at a press conference on Thursday night that Robinson will face the death penalty if convicted.
For more on the murder that shocked America – follow Daily Mail podcast ‘The Assassination of Charlie Kirk,’ out now wherever you get your podcasts or on YouTube.
