An Australian teacher has been stood down after reportedly dressing up as Charlie Kirk, the US Conservative activist who was shot dead in September, sparking outrage and debate over freedom of expression.
Guy Harrison, a design and technology coordinator at Urrbrae Agricultural High School in Adelaide, allegedly wore a bloodied T-shirt with a fake bullet wound at a staff-only Halloween party. The outfit appeared to reference Kirk’s fatal shooting while he was giving a speech at Utah Valley University.
The school’s principal, Todd George, called the costume “completely unacceptable” and confirmed Harrison had been removed from campus pending an investigation. Students aware of the incident have been offered wellbeing support.
Reactions in the community were mixed. Some parents defended Harrison, saying the response was “over the top” and that he was a popular teacher, while others felt the costume was insensitive and inappropriate, especially so soon after Kirk’s killing.
“Teachers are normal people,” one parent said. “Something is always offensive to someone. Why are we letting a minority — not even in Australia — dictate what’s offensive?”
The controversy follows other similar incidents, including an Australian football club president and US teachers who also drew criticism for Halloween costumes referencing Kirk.
Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was shot dead on stage on 10 September 2025, an attack that shocked both supporters and critics across the political spectrum, as well as leading to heavy censuring of those who celebrated his death.
The South Australian Education Department has not commented further while the internal inquiry continues.