Fresno State Instructor Sparks Outrage with Violent Social Media Calls Against Trump and Musk

Fresno State Instructor Sparks Outrage with Violent Social Media Calls Against Trump and Musk

A part-time instructor at Fresno State University has ignited significant controversy by calling for the deaths of President Donald Trump and Elon Musk, head of the Department of Government Efficiency. The troubling comments were made public on Instagram.

Katherine Shurik, who teaches at the university, posted her sentiments on January 11, 2025. She expressed a disturbing desire for these figures to meet their demise ‘much sooner rather than later.’ Her post included a graphic image of Donald Trump in a casket, surrounded by multiple former presidents and their first ladies.

Social Media Outrage and Controversial Hashtags

Shurik’s post featured a series of hashtags that read, ‘#FelonTrump #TraitorTrump #RapistTrump #DieTrump #TrumpDead,’ reflecting the incendiary nature of her statements. This type of rhetoric has drawn considerable attention, particularly in a politically charged environment.

Encouraging Student Activism

A video shared on X by the account Oreo Express showcased Shurik declaring that she would award extra credit to students attending a protest against Elon Musk and his Tesla company. This protest coincided with the ‘Tesla Takedown’s Global Day of Action,’ which saw over 200 demonstrations across the United States.

The protest movement urged participants to boycott Tesla by selling their vehicles and avoiding stock investments, claiming this collective action would benefit public health and democracy.

Musk’s Controversial Policies and Public Backlash

Elon Musk’s initiatives aimed at increasing efficiency within federal programs have elicited fierce opposition from various groups. Critics argue that his policies undermine crucial public services. In recent months, numerous Tesla dealerships and vehicles have faced vandalism linked to protests against Musk’s management and corporate direction.

Shurik’s Activism and Teaching Philosophy

In her video, Shurik identifies herself as an anthropologist and an educator. She mentioned an initiative to establish a chapter of the National Organization for Women in Fresno and highlighted her course on activist anthropology. She explained her intent to engage students in meaningful protests, incentivizing their participation with academic rewards.

Further demonstrating her controversial views, Shurik shared an Instagram post featuring an image of a tombstone, bearing the message, ‘Donald J. Trump, June 14, 1946 to now would be good.’ Her accompanying text advocated removing Musk and all Republican party members.

The University’s Response to Shurik’s Comments

Fresno State University responded to the inflammatory posts by asserting its commitment to free speech while simultaneously condemning Shurik’s extreme statements. In an official statement, the university emphasized that such views do not represent the institution or its values.

University officials expressed their strong disapproval of any expressions wishing harm upon elected officials, particularly the President of the United States. They reiterated that their educational mission is rooted in promoting democratic dialogue rather than hostile rhetoric.

Calls for Accountability and Ongoing Discussion

As public figures from various sectors continue to navigate a politically divided landscape, Shurik’s comments have reignited discussions about the responsibilities of educators and the impact of social media on public discourse. Many are calling for accountability among academics who use their platforms to promote violent rhetoric.

Fox News Digital attempted to reach Shurik for her perspective but did not receive a response at the time of this report. The broader implications of her statements could lead to increased scrutiny regarding the conduct of educators in politically sensitive matters.

The situation underscores a pressing challenge within educational institutions, balancing freedom of expression with the necessity of fostering a respectful and constructive political dialogue. As the discourse surrounding these issues continues to evolve, it remains crucial for institutions to reflect on their core values and the messages communicated by their faculty.