BECKLEY — The chief deputy public defender of Raleigh County is facing scrutiny after making a Facebook post about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, according to Lootpress.
Kris Kostenko shared a video originally posted by the Facebook page Being Liberal that showed Kirk moments before the fatal shooting. The original caption read, “Charlie Kirk was debating a student about mass shootings when shot.” Kostenko added his own commentary:
“Nice to see he was willing to be a statistic…”
The post was later deleted but quickly drew backlash online, with screenshots circulating widely across social media.
Raleigh County Commissioner Daniel Hall said Thursday he received multiple complaints about the post.
“The Raleigh County Public Defender Corporation is a private corporation that receives funds from the state of West Virginia and other sources,” Hall said in a statement.
In a separate Facebook statement, the Raleigh County Public Defender Corporation confirmed it was aware of the controversy.
“The office is aware of the post on Facebook by an employee and is investigating it. As it is a personnel matter no further statements can be made,” the statement said. “We appreciate the public’s concern, however, the constant calls to the office are impeding our ability to represent our clients.”
Kostenko later issued his own clarification on Facebook, writing that he did not intend to celebrate Kirk’s death.
“To all who read my post earlier today about Charlie Kirk please note that I am not happy that he was killed today. No one deserves to be assassinated! No one!” Kostenko wrote. “Sorry some may have misinterpreted my post. Thoughts and prayers to his family.”
No disciplinary action has been announced.
