Denver, CO – A Colorado public health employee is facing scrutiny after comments surfaced on social media that appeared to celebrate the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Jazmin Murguia, a suicide prevention coordinator for the Colorado Department of Health, who uses the pronouns she/her/ella, wrote a message on social media that raises questions about her mental state as a suicide prevention coordinator for a large public entity.
“If you haven’t said anything about the countless mass shootings, school shootings, or shit about ice raids, palestine, Black Lives Matter, and the violation of rights of LGBTQIA folks, women, or folks without access to shelter, food, clean water but want to talk about how we should/should not feel or react to how a pro-gun, pro-violence dude died via gunshot literally shut the fuck up and talk to yourself,” Murguia said. “Do some self reflection and interrogation of why you speak up for a white man who spews horrid shit against every marginalized community. No heart? Pleeeeeease look at who and what you’re speaking up for.”
Murguia, identified in public posts as working in suicide prevention for the state, made remarks online that praised the killing. Screenshots of the comments began circulating earlier this week, drawing criticism and sparking questions about the use of a government job title in personal political statements.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment issued the following statement after removing Murguia’s information from its website, “We are aware of public attention on social media posts made by staff. These accounts and posts are neither controlled or endorsed by the state. Any concerns that employees may have violated employment rules are reviewed and handled through established processes as required by State Personnel Board Rules. “
The incident comes as public agencies across the country face growing challenges in balancing employees’ free speech rights with the need to maintain public trust. In past controversies, some state and local workers have faced suspension or termination for making political or violent remarks online while associated with their professional role.
The employee has not issued a public statement, and it remains unclear if the department is conducting an internal review.
Key Points
- Colorado health worker criticized for social media post celebrating violence against conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
- Screenshots of the comments spread widely online this week.
- State health department has not responded to requests for comment on the employee’s status.
In the age of viral posts, a single comment can ignite a storm far beyond the original audience.