Cleveland Fire Chief Among 3 Public Safety Members Being Investigated for Charlie Kirk Shooting Comments

Following social media posts about Charlie Kirk's death, Cleveland authorities are conducting a review of comments made by the fire chief.

Peter Matthews

Sept. 16, 2025

Cleveland Fire Chief Anthony Luke, a firefighter and an EMS worker are being investigated for comments on social media about the shooting death of Charlie Kirk.

Cleveland officials say they are looking into social media postings about the death of Charlie Kirk by three fire department employees, including the fire chief.

Fox8.com reports that the city is conducting a review of comments and a cartoon posted by Cleveland Fire Chief Anthony Luke after activist Charlie Kirk was shot last week.

The posting, which was still up after the investigation was announced, included the following text: “Bring Out the Next Sacrifice," according to Cleveland19.com

“We are aware of the social media post made by the Fire Chief. The Mayor’s Office takes this matter seriously and is reviewing it. The views expressed in the post do not reflect the values of the City of Cleveland. We will provide an update as appropriate," a statement from the mayor's office read.

Luke has been fire chief for three years.

Comments by a firefighter and an EMS worker about the Kirk are also being investigated by the city, Fox8 reported.

About the Author

Peter Matthews

Editor-in-Chief/Conference Director

Peter Matthews is the conference director and editor-in-chief of Firehouse. He has worked at Firehouse since 1999, serving in various roles on both Firehouse Magazine and Firehouse.com staffs. He completed an internship with the Rochester, NY, Fire Department and served with fire departments in Rush, NY, and Laurel, MD, and was a lieutenant with the Glenwood Fire Company in Glenwood, NY. Matthews served as photographer for the St. Paul, MN, Fire Department and currently is a photographer for the Fort Worth, TX, Fire Department.