WGNS is continuing to follow the news of Charlie Kirk being assassinated and CBS News now has more information... Below are two of the photos released by the FBI of the possible suspect in the shooting.
THURSDAY MORNING UPDATE: MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WGNS) — Middle Tennessee State University has terminated an employee following what the university president described as “inappropriate and callous” comments made on social media regarding the recent murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
In a statement released late Wednesday night, MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee confirmed the dismissal, citing the employee’s role as someone who worked directly with students in a position of trust. McPhee said the remarks were inconsistent with the university’s values and had damaged its credibility with students, faculty, staff, and the broader community.
“This employee has been fired effective immediately,” McPhee stated. “We extend our deepest sympathies to the Kirk family.” At the time, MTSU did not further identify the employee in question.
Kirk, 31, was fatally shot on September 10 while speaking at Utah Valley University during the launch of Turning Point USA’s “The American Comeback Tour.” His death has sparked national reactions, including from Tennessee leaders and institutions.
Noah McLane, Editor-in-Chief of MTSU Sidelines, wrote on September 10, 2025, “Sen. Marsha Blackburn called for the removal of MTSU’s assistant dean of students after a Facebook account that allegedly belonged to the dean made comments about Charlie Kirk.” MTSU Sidelines is the student-operated newspaper at the university.
McLane added in the article, “She also called for Laura Sosh-Lightsy, the employee in question, to be ‘fired tomorrow.’” (link)
MTSU Sidelines is a component of the local campus, though it has operated as an editorially independent, student-operated news organization affiliated with the school since 1925.
The employee named in the student newspaper worked in the Office of Student Care and Conduct under the Division of Student Affairs at MTSU.
Meanwhile, Murfreesboro Mayor Shane McFarland shared a screenshot of the social media comment that allegedly came from the account of “Laura Sosh-Lightsy.” The screenshot showed a statement that read, “Looks like ol' Charlie spoke his fate into existence. Hate begets hate. ZERO sympathy.” The social media post by the mayor is in the photo above this article.
McFarland, a graduate of MTSU, also served as president of the Student Government Association between 1995 and 1996 before graduating in 1997.
The associate dean identified by the mayor and others previously worked at two other universities, one in Texas and the other in Kentucky, before coming to Middle Tennessee. At MTSU, she worked to help students through their college journey, according to the description of her role on the university’s website.
As stated on the site: “She believes strongly in the importance of helping students understand their role within the community and the impact of their behavior on others.” The university’s description further noted, “This philosophy underpins her commitment to seeing every disciplinary situation as an opportunity for life-long learning and personal growth.”
Charlie Kirk was scheduled to be in Murfreesboro next week. Reports indicate he was going to speak at World Outreach Church on New Salem Highway during the Culture & Christianity Conference on September 19–20, 2025.
UPDATED: CBS News filed a special report on locating the weapon in the shooting at 9 AM on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025...
PREVIOUS REPORT: MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WGNS) — Middle Tennessee State University has terminated an employee following what the university president described as “inappropriate and callous” comments made on social media regarding the recent murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
In a statement released late Wednesday night, MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee confirmed the dismissal, citing the employee’s role as someone who worked directly with students in a position of trust. McPhee said the remarks were inconsistent with the university’s values and had damaged its credibility with students, faculty, staff, and the broader community.
“This employee has been fired effective immediately,” McPhee stated. “We extend our deepest sympathies to the Kirk family.”
Kirk, 31, was fatally shot on September 10 while speaking at Utah Valley University during the launch of Turning Point USA’s “The American Comeback Tour.” His death has sparked national reactions, including from Tennessee leaders and institutions.
Murfreesboro Mayor Shane McFarland responded to the university’s decision on X, formerly Twitter, thanking MTSU and President McPhee for “doing the right thing.” McFarland added, “It’s time we recognize and pay attention to what is happening at our University.”
The university has not publicly identified the employee.
“This employee has been fired effective immediately” Thank you @MTSU @PresidentMcPhee for doing the right thing. It’s time we recognize and pay attention what is happening at our University. https://t.co/dlFKL7eogI pic.twitter.com/OuyPBzvxi0
— Shane McFarland (@smcfarlandmboro) September 11, 2025
