A Snohomish County high school principal is on leave after a private Instagram post about the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk sparked controversy.
Eric McDowell, principal of North Creek High School in Bothell, confirmed in a statement Sunday, Sept. 14, that he was “stepping away” from his position for the time being.
The move came after McDowell shared a post on his personal Instagram account reacting to Kirk’s death:
“Thoughts and prayers,” he wrote. “Too bad gun control would have been far far more effective (he’d still be alive). Maybe thoughts and prayers will work..oops – nope.”
The post was picked up by national right-wing social media accounts, with some calling for McDowell to resign.
In his statement, McDowell emphasized that he condemned Kirk’s assassination. He said his post was intended to highlight frustration over gun violence, not to make light of the killing.
“Despite the fact that I had no intent whatsoever to inflame the current political environment, I own the impact that my post has had,” McDowell wrote. “I will be stepping away as Principal of North Creek for the time being to reflect and ensure the focus of NCHS is on our students.”
Assistant Principal Bryan McNiel has been named interim principal, a district spokesperson said. It was not immediately clear how long McDowell will remain away.
The move comes amid a wave of national backlash directed at workers who posted about Kirk’s death on social media.
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