Somers school officials and police acted quickly, calling the posts “unacceptable” and assigning a new officer to ensure student safety.

SOMERS, N.Y. — A Westchester County school resource officer was removed from her post this week after posting online messages that appeared to celebrate and joke about the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University.

Tanisha Blanche, who served at Somers Intermediate School, became the center of a storm of public outrage following her posts on Instagram, prompting school officials and local police to act swiftly to ensure both student safety and public accountability.

Blanche’s posts, which have since been made private, included messages that many found grotesque and deeply offensive.

One read, “Well that white sniper was over qualified when he put that hole in your neck hunni bunni,” while another stated, “Welp! That didn’t end well buddy,” accompanying a video of Kirk speaking.

In a third post, Blanche questioned public reactions to other shootings, writing, “Why yall don’t have that same energy for the school shooting that took place yesterday, but yall crying over the man that was ok with gun violence….Make it make sense.”

The posts immediately drew sharp criticism from parents, students, and colleagues. Somers Superintendent of Schools Adam Bronstein described the behavior as unacceptable for anyone entrusted with the safety of students and staff.

“The nature of the posts glorifies violence, which is completely unacceptable for someone entrusted with the safety of students and staff members,” Bronstein said in a letter to parents.

He added that school safety is “our most sacred and important obligation,” emphasizing that Blanche’s removal was necessary to maintain the integrity and trust of the school community.

The Westchester County Police Department was notified after the social media activity came to light, and Blanche was promptly removed from her post.

Bronstein also confirmed that another school resource officer would be assigned to Somers Intermediate School starting Monday, ensuring continuity in the school’s security program.

“I am in touch directly with the police to ensure the safety and continuity of our SRO program going forward,” Bronstein said.

Charlie Kirk, 31, a married father of two and prominent conservative commentator, was shot and killed while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday.

His assassination has sent shockwaves through conservative circles nationwide and sparked a broader conversation about political violence, social media reactions, and the responsibilities of public servants.

Kirk, who founded Turning Point USA, had been a vocal proponent of conservative causes on college campuses, making his death a highly charged and widely covered event.

Blanche’s posts immediately drew condemnation not only for their content but also because they came from a law enforcement officer responsible for protecting children.

Experts in school safety emphasized that such behavior undermines public trust in school resource officers, who are expected to act as neutral guardians of safety and law enforcement within educational settings.

“An officer’s social media activity can reflect on the entire institution,” said Dr. Lorraine Jenkins, an education policy analyst.

“When posts glorify or mock violence, particularly a high-profile assassination, it compromises the safety perception among students, parents, and staff.”

In addition to her own posts, Blanche’s activity echoes other recent controversies in which public employees faced disciplinary action for expressing extreme or violent opinions online.

A New Jersey nurse, for instance, was suspended without pay after criticizing a doctor who allegedly celebrated Kirk’s death.

Such incidents have intensified debates around social media conduct, freedom of speech, and professional accountability, especially for individuals in positions of public trust.

The Somers community, like many across the nation, was grappling with the implications of the assassination and the social media fallout simultaneously. Local parent groups and civic organizations issued statements condemning Blanche’s actions.

“We send our thoughts and prayers to Mr. Kirk’s family, and we are appalled that an officer entrusted with our children’s safety would post in such a callous, inappropriate manner,” said Rebecca Morales, a member of the Somers Parent-Teacher Association.

Blanche’s removal comes as authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Kirk’s death.

While no direct connection has been suggested between Blanche and the shooting, the social media posts have fueled concerns about the potential influence of online rhetoric on real-world actions.

Social media platforms, including Instagram, have been scrutinized for their role in amplifying extremist or violent viewpoints, leading to calls for stricter moderation and accountability.

For students at Somers Intermediate, the incident has been a sobering reminder of the complex world beyond the classroom.

Administrators have assured families that counseling and support services are available for anyone affected by the controversy or the broader national events.

“We want our students to feel safe and supported, and we will continue to take all steps necessary to ensure that,” Bronstein said.

Blanche’s case highlights the increasingly blurred lines between personal expression and professional responsibility for public employees.

While freedom of speech protects private citizens’ ability to express opinions, the same rights are not without limits when those opinions undermine public trust, glorify violence, or create fear in vulnerable communities.

Legal experts suggest that cases like this could set precedents for how school districts and law enforcement agencies respond to social media misconduct in the future.

As of Sunday, Blanche had not made any public statements addressing her removal or the backlash against her posts.

Meanwhile, the Somers Intermediate School community continues to navigate the challenges posed by both the national tragedy of Kirk’s assassination and the local controversy surrounding a trusted authority figure’s behavior.

The incident underscores the broader debate about social media responsibility, political polarization, and the role of law enforcement in schools.

As districts across the country consider policies governing the online activity of public employees, the Somers case serves as a stark example of the consequences that can arise when personal posts cross the line into glorification of violence.