Kentucky college professor 'no longer' employed after Trump shooting post

Editor's Note: This story was updated at 9:45 A.M. ET on Wednesday, July 17 to reflect Bellarmine University's announcement that John James no longer works for the school.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (TND) — Bellarmine University in Kentucky on Monday announced a professor who shared controversial comments about the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump is no longer employed.

Professor John James reacted to the shooting by posting “if you’re gonna shoot, man, don’t miss” on social media. A screenshot of the post went viral on X, earning more than 3 million views.

Bellarmine on Monday said James was placed on "immediate unpaid leave." Later that day, the school issued another update saying the professor no longer works for Bellarmine.

Words and actions that condone violence are unacceptable and contrary to our values, which call for respecting the intrinsic value and dignity of every individual,” the school said in a statement. “We strive to create an inclusive community that welcomes all and models a spirit of goodwill. We are aware of an offensive and unacceptable social media post made by an employee over the weekend.”

Bellarmine on Monday also said it had received a bomb threat on its campus. An email calling in the threat said it was done “in the name of Donald Trump,” according to WDRB. Bellarmine later deemed the threat “not credible.”

READ MORE | Colorado teacher sparks outrage with Trump assassination attempt post: 'Now he's a martyr'

James is among other public figures who have earned backlash for statements regarding the shooting. Tennessee state Sen. London Lamar, D-Memphis, walked back her weekend statement declaring “the extremism from the MAGA regime has brought us to this moment.”

When questioned about Sen. Lamar’s social media post on Monday, her office pointed to a statement issued late Saturday claiming “our political discourse has become too charged and divisive.”

Actor and singer Jack Black on Tuesday also announced his band “Tenacious D” is canceling the remainder of its tour following his bandmate’s comments about the attempted assassination of Trump.

Follow Jackson Walker on X at @_jlwalker_ for the latest trending national news. Have a news tip? Send it to jacwalker@sbgtv.com.

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