Westchester County executive criticized for not firing school resource officer who celebrated Charlie Kirk shooting

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins, a Democrat, faced sharp criticism from GOP challenger Christine Sculti and other local officials after he did not fire Tanisha Blanche, a school resource officer who celebrated the death of Charlie Kirk in Instagram posts. The controversy centers on Blanche's assignment at Somers Intermediate School and the process used to screen and supervise school safety personnel in the county.

Blanche was reassigned to administrative duties pending an internal investigation after screenshots surfaced showing reactions to Kirk's fatal shooting at Utah Valley University. Somers Superintendent Adam Bronstein said the messages were completely unacceptable for someone entrusted with student safety, and the Westchester County Department of Public Safety confirmed Blanche had been removed from the SRO post while the inquiry proceeds. The department said it does not condone glorification of violence.

Sculti argued that the incident exposed a gap in county screening and supervision and said a formal probe should occur, with Blanche ultimately removed from school duties if the findings warrant it. She said the safety of students was at risk and that the county must be held accountable for its hiring and oversight decisions. Other local leaders joined the call for accountability, with Somers Town Supervisor Robert Scorrano noting that two longtime safety officers had recently been moved or retired from the Somers assignment and raising questions about how Blanche ended up in a school-based post.

Other local officials said the episode underscores broader concerns about oversight of school security in Westchester and the role of county government in staffing decisions that affect students. Jenkins' office referred questions to the county's Department of Public Safety, which reiterated that the investigation is ongoing and that Blanche's reassignment reflects the seriousness with which officials treat the matter.

The political dispute comes as Westchester voters weigh issues of safety, accountability and the use of social-media conduct in public service. The case also highlights the difficulty of balancing staffing needs with community expectations that school personnel adhere to high standards. Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist, was shot Sept. 10 at Utah Valley University while speaking, an event that sparked social-media reaction and raised questions about how public officials respond to violence and hate online.