Joe Burrow Foundation severs ties with advisory member after social posts about Charlie Kirk killing

The Joe Burrow Foundation announced Friday that it has dismissed an advisory board member after the person made what the organization called "inappropriate remarks" in the wake of the fatal shooting of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.

The foundation, established by Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow in 2022, said in its statement that the board member was terminated and is "no longer associated with the foundation." The foundation added that the comments "do not reflect our values or our mission" and stressed a commitment to "accountability and respect for all." Local reports identified the dismissed advisory member as Hamilton County Municipal Judge Ted Berry.

According to media reports, the posts by Berry on Facebook included language that appeared to welcome Kirk's death and to celebrate the race of the alleged shooter. FOX19 NOW and other outlets reported that Berry posted comments such as "Rest in Hatred & Division!" and asked rhetorically, "How's he feel about gun violence & gun control in Hell, now?" Those reports said Berry also posted a comment that read, "So, a white guy killed him! Color it KARMA!" The Joe Burrow Foundation did not name Berry in its statement.

The killings at Utah Valley University and the online reaction have prompted public condemnation and calls for action from officials. Ohio state representative Adam Mathews, a Republican, called for Berry to resign and said in a statement that the remarks were "shocking and completely unacceptable" for a sitting judge, arguing a judge must be a "pillar of fairness and impartiality."

Kirk, 31, was shot and killed while speaking at a question-and-answer event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday. Authorities arrested 22-year-old Tyler Robinson on Thursday night; he now faces charges that include aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, and obstruction of justice, according to a probable cause affidavit cited by local officials. Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said prosecutors intend to pursue the death penalty if Robinson is convicted.

Cox and law enforcement officials have said Robinson had discussed Kirk in the days before the killing, and family members told investigators that he had expressed strong dislike for the commentator. News reports said Robinson's father recognized his son in FBI-released images and that a family member or friend subsequently contacted authorities; Robinson was taken into custody after a family member reported a confession or implication to police, state officials said. Investigators also located a vehicle and other items they say matched descriptions and evidence tied to the case.

The motive for the shooting has not been established publicly. Kirk leaves behind his wife and two young children, according to media reports.

The Joe Burrow Foundation said it was founded on the belief that "everyone has the responsibility to do good" and noted the organization focuses on helping children with mental illness and those experiencing food insecurity, as well as supporting underprivileged and underserved communities. Since its launch, the foundation has issued more than $2 million in Do Good Grants to organizations in Ohio, Louisiana, Kentucky and Indiana, the group said.

Requests for comment to Berry were not immediately returned, and the Joe Burrow Foundation did not provide further details beyond its public statement. The developments come amid heightened scrutiny of online speech after a public figure was killed at a college event and as local officials and the public respond to both the shooting and reactions to it.