Outrage erupts as Chicago elementary school teacher makes vile gun gesture mocking Charlie Kirk’s assassination during “No Kings” protest
A Chicago elementary school teacher has ignited national outrage after being caught on camera mocking the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk with a gun gesture during a public protest. The disturbing incident unfolded over the weekend at a “No Kings” rally in Chicago, where demonstrators gathered in opposition to conservative movements and Republican figures.
In footage that has since gone viral, Lucy Martinez, a teacher at Nathan Hale Elementary School, is seen putting her finger to her neck and pretending to pull a trigger as a man driving by in a pickup truck waved a flag honoring Charlie Kirk. The video quickly made its way across social media platforms, drawing immediate backlash from parents, educators, and political commentators alike.
The reaction was swift and emotional, with many calling the gesture “vile,” “unprofessional,” and “deeply disrespectful.” Dozens of parents associated with Chicago Public Schools demanded disciplinary action, arguing that no teacher should ever model that kind of behavior, especially in front of children. “We trust our teachers to educate and inspire, not to promote hate or violence,” one parent said in a statement circulating online.
Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA and a prominent conservative voice, was tragically assassinated earlier this year in an attack that shook the political world. His death led to nationwide mourning among conservative communities, with tributes pouring in from supporters and colleagues who praised his influence on a generation of young Americans. For many, seeing a public school teacher mock that tragedy felt like a line crossed far beyond partisan disagreement.
Martinez’s gesture was caught during the protest by bystanders who claim she laughed immediately after making it, further enraging viewers online. Chicago Public Schools has since acknowledged the incident and confirmed that the district is “reviewing the matter.” In a statement, officials noted that “CPS does not condone or tolerate actions by staff that promote violence or disrespect toward any individual, living or deceased.”
Conservative commentators have seized on the video as evidence of a growing double standard in public education. Many argue that if a teacher had made such a gesture about a left-leaning figure, disciplinary measures would have been immediate and severe. The story has reignited conversations about political bias within schools, particularly in large urban districts like Chicago.
Supporters of Charlie Kirk and Turning Point USA have also rallied behind the video, using the hashtag #JusticeForCharlie to call for accountability. Prominent figures across social media, including several Republican lawmakers, condemned Martinez’s behavior and urged CPS to take swift action. “Mocking a man’s assassination isn’t activism — it’s moral rot,” one tweet read.
As of now, Martinez has not made any public comment regarding the incident. Attempts by media outlets to contact her for clarification or apology have gone unanswered. Meanwhile, outrage continues to mount as parents and community leaders demand answers about how a public school educator could behave so callously in public.
The moment has become a stark reminder of how deeply polarized the political climate remains — and how tragedy is too often weaponized for spectacle. For many Americans still grieving the loss of Charlie Kirk, this latest display is more than a controversy; it’s a painful insult to his memory.
