William L. Jeffries IV, a senior health scientist with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is facing national scrutiny over a series of alleged controversial social media posts in the aftermath of the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.
Jeffries identifies himself on his Facebook profile as a preacher, author, and “freedom fighter.” He currently works in the CDC’s Office of Health Equity, Division of HIV Prevention. His professional biography, published on the CDC’s National Prevention Information Network (NPIN), lists prior positions including Associate Chief for Science at the Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Epidemic Intelligence Service Officer, and Epidemiologist. He graduated from Lake Wales High School before earning multiple degrees from the University of Florida and later studying religion at Florida Southern College. Link to his full CDC Bio: Dr. William L. Jeffries
Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot on September 10, 2025, while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. The event was part of his “American Comeback Tour,” with thousands in attendance. According to investigators, the gunman fired a single round from the roof of the Losee Center, striking Kirk in the neck while he was addressing a student question. Authorities later arrested 22-year-old Tyler Robinson on suspicion of aggravated capital murder and weapons charges. The attack has been widely described by political leaders, media outlets, and law enforcement as a political assassination.
In screenshots reviewed by Political Bourbon, several alleged posts appearing on Jeffries’ Facebook account directly referenced Kirk’s assassination. The language was explicit, racially charged, and celebratory in tone. One alleged post read:
“Dear Black People: Malcolm X was never wrong about White America. The chicken that White America unleashed came home to roost for them this week. Many more will follow suit. They will continue to reap as they have sown. Now Galatians 6:7. Celebrate Exodus 15:1.”
Another alleged post stated:
“It’s disappointing and disgusting to see some people on the Left, including some Black people, express sadness over the White supremacist who got fucked up today. This evil muthafucka promoted White supremacist rhetoric that led tens of millions of White people in this country alone to rally behind a fascist, genocidal, White supremacist government. Fuck his wife and kids.”
In a third alleged post, Jeffries shared a smiling photo of himself with the caption:
“We gone be free one day… by any fucking means necessary. Yours in liberation, Brother Billy.”
The nature and tone of these alleged posts raise serious concerns about whether a high-ranking federal health scientist should be engaging in political commentary of this kind, particularly statements that appear to celebrate or condone violence. As of publication, the CDC has not issued a statement addressing Jeffries’ alleged social media activity. It remains unclear whether the remarks could prompt internal review by the agency. Jeffries’ alleged comments also highlight the increasingly fraught intersection between personal political expression and public service employment. While government employees retain free speech rights, federal policies generally require that public statements do not undermine institutional credibility, respect for civil norms, or public trust.
Jeffries’ alleged posts are not occurring in isolation. In the days since Kirk’s assassination, a myriad of social media comments across the country have already led to firings, suspensions, or investigations. Nasdaq terminated a junior strategist after internal review of social media posts about Kirk’s death. MSNBC cut ties with political analyst Matthew Dowd following backlash over what were described as “inappropriate” remarks about Kirk’s killing. Tennessee universities, including Cumberland University and Middle Tennessee State, dismissed or suspended employees for “inappropriate” social media comments. First responders in New Orleans, Nashville, Toledo, and Prince George’s County, Maryland, have been placed under investigation or leave for posts about Kirk’s assassination. A Las Vegas radio station severed ties with an employee following profanity-laced comments regarding the incident.
These actions reflect a broader trend: organizations across multiple sectors are responding swiftly to social media content that appears to celebrate violence or mock a violent death.
