Elizabeth, NJ – A Union County assistant prosecutor has been suspended after posting a mocking remark on Facebook about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
“Charlie Kirk was shot. Hmmm… thoughts and prayers. Now, what’s for dinner.”
The prosecutor, identified as Colleen Ruppert, leads the office’s Domestic Violence Unit. She used the alias “Colly Ru” to write on Sept. 26: “Charlie Kirk was shot. Hmmm… thoughts and prayers. Now, what’s for dinner.”
Key Points
- Colleen Ruppert, assistant prosecutor in Union County, suspended after Facebook post.
- Post mocked assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
- Internal investigation launched; two other employees also under review.
The Union County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed her suspension and described the matter as a personnel issue. Officials also said two other employees who “liked” the post are under review.
Post defended, investigation ongoing
Ruppert later defended the remark, citing her political beliefs and saying she did not feel sympathy for Kirk because of what she described as his impact on democracy. She also called the message an attempt at humor.
As of Monday, she has not resigned. The investigation is ongoing, according to the prosecutor’s office.
National wave of backlash
Ruppert’s suspension comes amid a wider pattern across the U.S. of public employees and private workers facing disciplinary action after making similar statements about Kirk’s killing. Cases of suspensions, firings and resignations have been reported in multiple states.
Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was assassinated earlier this month, triggering widespread reaction online and sharp divisions in public response.
The prosecutor’s office has not set a timeline for resolving Ruppert’s case.