Miami-Dade politician apologizes for saying Charlie Kirk was ‘a fitting sacrifice’
In the wake of political activist Charlie Kirk’s murder in Utah, a private-school official and a city councilman are facing backlash in Miami-Dade County following their comments — one has resigned and the other is facing calls to step down.
Glen Turf, a high-ranking official at the prestigious Miami Country Day School, used his Instagram account to comment that Kirk possibly deserved what happened to him.
“He died. Oh well,” he commented on a post announcing Kirk’s death. “He ironically promoted gun usage. Karma.”
On Thursday, the Miami Shores private school announced in a letter to its community that Turf resigned from his role as chief officer of global learning opportunities, belonging and empowerment.
“This decision follows an exchange he engaged in on social media that does not align with our values,” the school said. “Mr. Turf has apologized for his remarks and acknowledged that his statement runs counter to the mission and values of Miami Country Day School, as well as the standards outlined in our Employee Handbook.”
Down in Palmetto Bay, Councilman Steve Cody also posted on social media about the killing of Kirk.
“Charlie Kirk is a fitting sacrifice to our Lords Smith & Wesson. Hallowed be their names,” he posted Thursday on Facebook.
While Cody has not resigned, he has apologized for what he posted. He has already reached his term limit, but is set to serve until 2028.
“I want to be absolutely clear: the post did not reflect my values, my beliefs or my responsibilities as an elected official,” Cody said in a statement. “To those who were offended or hurt by my post, especially the friends and family of Charlie Kirk, I sincerely apologize.”
Miami Herald news partner CBS News Miami spoke with Cody, who said about a possible resignation, “It’s not going to happen. I am term-limited out. I serve until 2028. And I intend to serve out the next 3+ years of my term.”
Numerous Miami-Dade politicians have called for Cody to resign.
Miami-Dade Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins, a fellow Democrat who represents a district that includes Palmetto Bay, is seeking his resignation.
“When elected, the people look to you to serve and to represent. The people also look to you to lead by example,” she said in a statement. “When an elected official, entrusted with the confidence of his community, makes callous dangerous statements proclaiming that any American is a ‘fitting sacrifice’ to gun violence, it not only belies the confidence of his office, it makes clear that he is not fit for office.”
Florida House Representative Omar Blanco, who also represents Palmetto Bay, called the remarks “a stain on our community” and demanded Cody’s resignation.
In Palmetto Bay, Mayor Karyn Cunningham and Vice Mayor Mark Merwitzer also condemned the social-media post, remarking that such words are “unbecoming” of an elected official.
“As a mother and as your mayor, I am both saddened and disturbed,” Cunningham said in a statement to the community. “Violence has no place in our community or in our nation, and words that seek to diminish or make light of such tragedy are equally harmful.”
The Republican Party of Miami-Dade called Cody’s comments “grotesque.”
“No public servant should ever condone or celebrate political murder,” the party’s statement said. “By mocking and justifying an assassination, Councilman Cody has forfeited the public trust. We call for his immediate removal from office.”
This story was originally published September 12, 2025 at 4:05 PM.
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