TIFS Investigates: In wake of Charlie Kirk shooting, Russellville STEM teacher grilled for social media comment

A storm of controversy has erupted around Chance Duncan, a science teacher at Russellville High School in Arkansas, following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on September 10, 2025.

Duncan, recently named a Lead Advocate for the Society for Science’s 2025–2026 program with a $5,000 stipend for his pioneering work breeding Louisiana pine snakes, posted a provocative statement on X at 7:54 PM today, quoting Clarence Darrow: "I've never wished a man dead, but I have read some obituaries with great pleasure," adding, "Just seemed fitting today."

The Russellville School District posted on social media on Thursday night that they were aware of the post and it was under investigation.

The timing, just hours after Kirk’s fatal shooting at Utah Valley University, has sparked widespread outrage, with many interpreting it as a veiled celebration of the activist’s death.Kirk, 31, founder of Turning Point USA, was killed by a single shot to the neck from a .30-06 bolt-action rifle fired from the roof of the Losee Center, approximately 400 feet away, during a “Prove Me Wrong” event.

The shooter, described as college-aged and dressed in tactical gear, remains at large, with a $100,000 reward offered by authorities.

The incident, amid a wave of political violence in 2025, has intensified national tensions. Duncan’s post has ignited a firestorm on social media.

An anonymous X user at 8:00 PM CDT demanded the Russellville School Board address why Duncan remains employed, while Madison Elliott accused him of finding pleasure in the loss of “two kids [who] lost their father.”

On Facebook, Dustin Storey, at 6:33 PM , called the post “totally UNACCEPTABLE,” urging Duncan’s resignation or a complete school board overhaul, citing concern for his daughter’s education.

The backlash reflects a growing movement to hold educators accountable for perceived insensitivity, mirroring actions in Texas where districts like Goose Creek CISD are disciplining teachers for similar remarks about Kirk. Duncan’s professional accolades--17 years teaching, mentoring students in STEM, and national recognition--stand in stark contrast to the criticism.

However, without clarification from Duncan or the school district, the controversy escalates.

The Russellville community awaits a response as social media pressure mounts, with calls to “make him famous until something is done.”

This story is developing, with no official statement yet from Duncan or the Russellville School District.

Updates will follow as the investigation into Kirk’s assassination and Duncan’s situation unfold.