WESTCHESTER COUNTY, N.Y. — Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins, a leading Democrat, is under fire for not firing a school resource officer who celebrated the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Critics say the decision shows a “lack of empathy” and represents a “betrayal of trust” to the community.
Controversial Posts Spark Outrage
The controversy began after Tanisha Blanche, a Westchester County police officer assigned to Somers Intermediate School, published several inflammatory Instagram posts following the September 10 sniper attack at Utah Valley University, which left Charlie Kirk dead.
One post, titled “Hate & Bigotry: Charlie Kirk’s True Legacy,” accused Kirk of racism and included the line: “Well that white sniper was over qualified when he put that hole in your neck hunni bunni.”
In another, Blanche wrote bluntly: “Welp! That didn’t end well buddy.”
The posts immediately drew backlash from parents, community members, and political leaders. Somers Superintendent Adam Bronstein issued a letter condemning Blanche’s comments as “completely unacceptable for someone entrusted with the safety of students and staff.”
Political Fallout in Westchester
Jenkins’ Republican challenger for county executive, Christine Sculti, seized on the incident, calling it evidence of failed leadership.
“It’s a betrayal of trust and a threat to children’s lives,” Sculti told reporters at a press conference. “The safety of our students is not optional. It’s not negotiable. It’s the first job of government, and Ken Jenkins has failed.”
Sculti said Blanche should have been fired immediately and demanded a full investigation into how she was ever placed in a school environment.
“My understanding is that she is still employed, which is something Ken should be accountable for,” Sculti said. “I can’t understand how that would be the case. I would like a full investigation and her ultimate termination.”
Reassignment, Not Termination
In response to public concern, Jenkins’ office referred questions to the Westchester County Department of Public Safety, which confirmed Blanche had been removed from her school assignment but not dismissed from her job.
“She has been reassigned to administrative duties pending an internal investigation of the matter,” department spokesman Jeffrey Weiss said in a statement. “The Westchester County Department of Public Safety does not condone glorification of acts of violence.”
The decision to keep Blanche employed, even temporarily, has sparked widespread criticism from community leaders and Republican officials.
Community Leaders Speak Out
At Thursday’s press conference, Somers Town Supervisor Robert Scorrano joined Sculti in criticizing the decision to allow Blanche to remain on the force.
“We need to hold people accountable, especially in this day and age,” Scorrano said. “If this person was in this position and they shouldn’t have been, then people need to be held accountable for their actions.”
Parents in the Somers school district echoed the frustration, pointing out that Blanche had been placed in the school after two longtime and respected school resource officers had either retired or been reassigned. Critics said this raised questions about how thoroughly candidates for school assignments are vetted.
Broader Debate on Policing and Politics
The controversy highlights broader political divisions in Westchester County, where Jenkins, a Democrat, has faced increasing criticism from conservatives over his leadership.
For Sculti, the issue represents more than just a personnel matter; she argues it speaks to Jenkins’ judgment and priorities. “Ken Jenkins has failed to protect our children by not acting decisively when faced with such a clear case of misconduct,” she said.
The incident has also reignited debates over the politicization of school resource officers, with opponents arguing that police assigned to schools must maintain strict professionalism and neutrality. Blanche’s posts, critics argue, crossed a line by celebrating violence and undermining trust in school safety.
Next Steps
While Blanche remains on administrative duty, the internal investigation by the Department of Public Safety is ongoing. No timeline has been given for its conclusion, and officials have not said whether termination is being considered.
Meanwhile, Sculti and other Republican leaders have vowed to keep the issue front and center as the county executive race intensifies.
“This is about accountability and safety,” Sculti emphasized. “Parents deserve to know their children are safe at school. Anything less is unacceptable.”
Remembering Charlie Kirk
The shooting of Charlie Kirk, a polarizing conservative activist, continues to reverberate nationally. Kirk was fatally shot by a sniper during a speaking event in Utah, an attack that has drawn widespread condemnation and sparked heated debate across political lines.
His funeral, expected to draw significant security and high-profile attendees, has been described as requiring “Super Bowl-level” precautions.
For Westchester parents and community members, however, the immediate concern remains close to home: ensuring that those entrusted with student safety are held to the highest standards of conduct.
As the investigation unfolds, pressure is mounting on Ken Jenkins to act more decisively—or face political consequences in the weeks ahead.
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