CLEVELAND (WJW) — The FOX 8 I-TEAM has learned an outside law firm is now investigating what four Cleveland first responders posted online after the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
The outside firm’s review includes a post by the fire chief.
All of the social media activity revolves around what was sent out after national headlines about the shooting of Charlie Kirk.
Last month, the I-TEAM revealed the city put Fire Chief Anthony Luke on paid leave. He is accused of reposting a cartoon with an assault rifle and the words “bring on the next sacrifice.”
The city hired an outside law firm to investigate that, and now we’ve learned the same firm is investigating posts made by another firefighter and two EMS workers as well. All are supervisors.
The firm is getting paid $300 an hour.
Last month, Law Director Mark Griffin spoke briefly about the chief’s investigation. He told us: “We’re hiring an outside firm to make sure everything is neutral and fair and independent.”
Now, in an email, city hall explained having the outside firm review other cases, too, saying: “The city has engaged outside counsel to avoid any potential conflicts of interest; the Department of Law frequently represents the Division of Fire and/or Chief Luke in various matters, including employment matters.”
We’ve learned a Cleveland police dispatcher is also under investigation for a social media post after the murder of Charlie Kirk. But, police are handling that case internally.
Again, the fire chief was taken off the job and put on paid leave. But, all of the others under investigation have been allowed to keep working.
In fact, after this came to light, we learned a firefighter involved even earned overtime for taking part in a community event.
So, why is the chief the only one taken off the job?
The city also says, “We hold our senior-most leadership to a higher standard…”
Darcie LorenolorenodarcieEdit Profile
It is not clear how long it will take for any of the reviews of the social media posts.
Ed Gallek
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