Michael E. Mann, a climate professor at Penn, reposted several controversial posts, including one that compared Kirk to the leader of the Hitler Youth group.
The assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University has sparked national debate not only about political violence but also about the conduct of those commenting online. At the center of one controversy is Michael E. Mann, a University of Pennsylvania professor and senior administrator, who came under fire for a series of reposts and an original post on X that many critics described as inflammatory.
Mann, who directs Penn’s Center for Science, Sustainability & the Media and serves as the school’s inaugural vice provost for climate science, policy, and action, drew particular scrutiny for posting, “The white-on-white violence has gotten out of hand” after the suspected gunman’s identity was revealed. The post, later deleted, came alongside reposts that criticized New York Times columnist Ezra Klein’s article, “Charlie Kirk Was Practicing Politics the Right Way.” Klein had argued that Kirk, despite sharp political differences, was engaged in constructive dialogue and shared a commitment to democratic engagement.
Among Mann’s reposts was one a post by Max Granger that mocked Klein’s framing by referring to Kirk as “the head of Trump’s Hitler Youth.” Mann also amplified another user’s suggestion that Klein’s column “whitewashed” Kirk’s legacy. Additionally, Mann criticized Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, who signed a gun rights bill in the past, for limiting his reaction to Kirk’s killing to “thoughts and prayers.”
These posts drew swift condemnation from conservative figures. Sen. Dave McCormick (R-Pa.) labeled Mann’s behavior “despicable” and demanded UPenn take “immediate, decisive action.” Will Hild of Consumers’ Research argued that rhetoric like Mann’s fuels real-world violence, while conservative strategist Steve Guest called the reposts “ghoulish.” RNC communications director Zach Parkinson pointed to Mann’s Democratic connections—including past advisory work for Hillary Clinton and appearances at party events—insisting that Mann is not an obscure academic but part of the establishment.
Mann responded to the backlash by walking back some of his activity. He explained that he agreed with the widespread criticism of Klein’s article but “overlooked” the “Hitler Youth” phrasing in one repost. “I do NOT approve of the inappropriate & inflammatory language used to describe Kirk,” Mann wrote, noting that he had since deleted the posts. He further emphasized that “political violence is completely unacceptable no matter what ‘side’ it is on” and expressed hope that the perpetrator would be caught.
Still, the controversy deepened because of Mann’s broader history. The climate scientist has previously been sanctioned by a judge for misleading conduct during a defamation lawsuit and has been accused of exaggerating his credentials, including a disputed claim to Nobel laureate status. He has also made past political comments comparing officials to Joseph Stalin and suggesting violent resistance if Donald Trump defied court rulings, saying “we’re in second amendment territory.”
The situation mirrors other fallout from Kirk’s assassination. Middle Tennessee State University dismissed assistant dean Laura Sosh-Lightsy after she posted she had “zero sympathy” for Kirk, while a Secret Service agent was placed on leave for disparaging him on Facebook.
As of Friday, authorities identified Tyler Robinson, 22, as the suspect in Kirk’s killing. Gov. Cox confirmed Robinson had been reported to police by a family friend. Meanwhile, UPenn has not commented publicly on Mann’s case, and Mann himself maintains that his intent was not to mock Kirk’s death but to criticize efforts to portray him as a model for civil political discourse.
