Arizona teachers accused of mocking Charlie Kirk’s death with fake-blood shirts; school district denies allegations

Turning Point USA spokesman Andrew Kolvet has accused teachers at Cienega High School in Tucson, Arizona, of mocking the death of Charlie Kirk by wearing T-shirts splattered with fake blood and the words ‘Problem Solved’. Images of the group were widely shared on social media, sparking criticism of the Vail School District.

Kolvet, who served as executive producer of The Charlie Kirk Show, posted the photo on X, writing, “Concerned parents just sent us this image of what’s believed to be teachers in @vailschools in Tucson, Arizona mocking Charlie’s murder with costumes that read ‘Problem Solved’ and blood down the left side of their shirts. They deserve to be famous, and fired.” He later claimed that the image had been deleted shortly after it appeared online.

John Carruth from Vail School District has already put out a statement. He confirms the image is from Cienaga High School's math department wearing blood-stained shirts (with blood only on the left side, the side where CK was shot) as a reference to "solving math problems."… https://t.co/pXjYiqofep pic.twitter.com/eNJaLpeugY

— Andrew Kolvet (@AndrewKolvet) November 1, 2025

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Charlie Kirk, 31, was allegedly shot dead by Tyler Robinson on September 10 during an appearance at Utah Valley University in Orem. The shooting occurred at around 12:20 pm during a student Q&A session.

Vail School District issues clarification

Responding to the controversy, the Vail School District said the photo was being circulated with a false narrative. Superintendent John Carruth stated that the shirts were part of a math-themed Halloween costume designed to represent solving difficult problems.

Carruth explained that the same shirts had been worn last year as part of the same costume idea, long before recent events. “A photo showing teachers wearing shirts that say ‘Problem Solved’ has caused confusion and concern,” he said, as quoted by kgun9.com. “We want to clarify that these shirts were never intended to target any person, event, or political issue.”

He added that the image had been misinterpreted and apologised for any distress caused. “The teachers involved care deeply about their students and this community. Many have served Vail families for years. All of them are committed to protecting children, and none would intentionally cause hurt or pain. The shirts will not be worn again,” Carruth said.

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The superintendent also noted that the teachers had faced harassment online and reported the threats to police, emphasising that such actions “do not reflect the values of our community.” He said the district remained committed to ensuring that all staff and students feel respected and safe.

Following the clarification, Kolvet acknowledged that the shirts had been worn previously but maintained his criticism, calling the choice of costume “very weird for teachers in general.” He wrote, “After what happened to Charlie, I’m absolutely floored they wore it again. I do not believe for a second that all of them are innocent.”

In his final remark, Kolvet said, “School teachers have been among the worst offenders of mocking and celebrating Charlie’s assassination. They should not be surprised that parents and the community are on high alert.”