An employee and friend of New York City Mayor Eric Adams was fired on Thursday in relation to his comments on social media, calling the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk “karma.”
Anthony Herbert, who was in the Community Affairs Unit under the Adams administration, was already placed on leave at the time of his termination. He was not a senior aide of Adams and did not directly report to the mayor.
“We unequivocally denounce these remarks, which in no way reflect the values of the Adams administration,” a spokesperson for the mayor’s office told the Washington Examiner in confirmation of Herbert’s termination. “As Mayor Adams said yesterday, political violence has no place in our city or in our nation, and it’s time we all turn down the temperature and stand united against hate.”
“Charlie Kirk was a passionate young man, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this trying time,” the spokesperson said. “While the individual who made these comments was already on leave when he posted this video, he is now no longer employed by our administration.”
Herbert made the questionable comment about Kirk in a video, suggesting that Kirk deserved to die.
“When you go out there and you talk about people and you talk about – and you know, become a racist — and you try to disguise that like you’re doing something for humanity, that’s a problem,” he said in part. “And unfortunately, karma has come to collect.”
The former official also shared a meme that celebrated the politically motivated attack and claimed Kirk “spent his entire life disparaging immigrants, disrespecting women, and blaming black folks.” In response, he wrote, “You hit the nail right on the head or should i say racist!!”
Herbert was previously a community advocate in Brooklyn who unsuccessfully ran for New York City Public Advocate in 2019 and 2021.
His comments were in direct contrast to those of Adams, who mourned Kirk’s death and denounced political violence.
“I interviewed with Charlie Kirk just last month, and I saw a passionate young man who loved his country. Devastated to now learn of his assassination,” he posted on X. “Political violence has no place in our nation. We must turn down the temperature and stand united against hate. I pray for Charlie’s family and loved ones.”
Adams spoke with Kirk ahead of New York City’s mayoral election in November. The incumbent mayor had fond things to say about his interviewer.
FLORIDA ISSUES ‘HIGHER STANDARD’ WARNING AFTER TEACHER FIRED FOR CELEBRATING KIRK ASSASSINATION
Kirk died on Wednesday after the shooter fired a single shot at the conservative activist’s neck. Kirk was hosting an event at Utah Valley University, where over 3,000 people came to see the Turning Point USA co-founder. His death was quickly followed by grief and outrage from conservatives.
Authorities have since apprehended the gunman, identified as 22-year-old Utah local Tyler Robinson, who is believed to have acted alone. Gov. Spencer Cox (R-UT) characterized Kirk’s killing as a politically motivated “assassination.”