Representative DeVito Calls for Removal of Timberlane Teacher After Online Comments

CONCORD, N.H. — A New Hampshire lawmaker is calling for the immediate removal of a Timberlane Regional High School teacher who praised the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on social media.

State Rep. Sayra DeVito, R-Danville, issued a statement Friday condemning English teacher Ed Tinney’s remarks as “vile” and “reprehensible,” arguing they undermine the trust parents place in the Timberlane Regional School District.

“The statements made by Timberlane Regional School English teacher Ed Tinney on social media—openly celebrating the brutal murder of an American husband and father—are vile, reprehensible, and wholly inconsistent with the standards expected of an educator,” DeVito said.

Rep. Sayra DeVito

She added that teachers hold “a unique position of trust” and should model integrity, respect and responsibility for their students.

“For these reasons, I am formally requesting his immediate removal from his position as a teacher within Timberlane Regional School District,” she said. “Anything short of swift and decisive action risks eroding the public’s trust in the district’s commitment to the wellbeing of its students and the values of this community.”

The Granite Eagle first reported this week that Tinney had faced backlash after a series of posts surfaced in which he celebrated Kirk’s killing. The comments drew criticism from parents and community members who questioned whether such statements were compatible with his role as an educator.

District officials have not publicly announced any disciplinary measures against Tinney. A request for comment from the Timberlane administration was not immediately returned.

Kirk, 31, the founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot in Utah earlier this week. His killing has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed debate about political violence in America.

DeVito’s demand raises the stakes for the Timberlane district, which serves students in Plaistow, Atkinson, Danville and Sandown. The controversy is likely to intensify pressure on school leaders to address whether Tinney should remain in the classroom.