A Palm Beach County School Board member has received threatening and racially charged messages following his public comments about conservative activist Charlie Kirk, according to the Riviera Beach Police Department.

Palm Beach County School Board Member Threatened After Charlie Kirk Remarks

The incident began after Edwin Ferguson, who represents District 7 on the Palm Beach County School Board, addressed concerns over potential disciplinary action against teachers for their social media posts about Charlie Kirk. According to Riviera Beach Police, a complaint was filed on September 19, 2025, after Ferguson’s office received two threatening phone calls.

Details of the Threatening Messages

According to the preliminary police report, the first threatening call was received at approximately 2 p.m. by Ferguson’s secretary. The caller, using a blocked number, left a message stating, “I know where you live. I’m going to burn your house down.” Riviera Beach Police stated that a second call came in at 4:20 p.m., this time as a voicemail containing explicit racial slurs and a death threat directed at Ferguson. In recent months, other Florida officials have also faced threats, with guns and ammo seized in Fort Pierce after presidential threats, highlighting a concerning trend across the state.

• The first call threatened arson against Ferguson’s residence.
• The second call included a racial epithet and a threat to Ferguson’s life.

Officials reported that both calls are under investigation. Details may be updated as the investigation continues.

Background: Comments on Charlie Kirk and Teacher Discipline

The threats followed Ferguson’s comments at a recent school board meeting, where he addressed concerns raised by teachers and parents about possible disciplinary action for social media posts related to Charlie Kirk. According to Ferguson, he received inquiries after a letter from the Florida Department of Education (DOE) warned that negative online comments about Kirk’s assassination could result in disciplinary measures for educators. For context, there are 3 key facts on a Fort Pierce man’s presidential threat case that have also raised questions about the boundaries of free speech and legal consequences in Florida.

Ferguson’s Response to DOE Letter

During the meeting, Ferguson stated he had reviewed the statutes and administrative rules referenced in the September 11 DOE letter. He expressed doubt that teachers would lose their certificates solely for expressing opinions about Kirk, unless the comments were discriminatory. Ferguson said, “I looked at the statutes and administrative rules referenced in the September 11th DOE letter, and I’m thinking — unless you, as a parent or teacher, feel bad because I don’t miss a racist, a racist bigot at that — I don’t see how you’d be at risk of losing your teaching certificate.”

He further advised teachers to speak their minds but cautioned against making statements that could be considered discriminatory toward Kirk or others.

Riviera Beach Police Investigation

According to Riviera Beach Police Department, the complaint was officially received on September 19. Police stated that both threatening messages are being investigated as possible criminal offenses. Officers have not released information about suspects or whether the calls can be traced to a specific individual. In a related event, 2 guns were seized in Fort Pierce after threats to President Trump, further demonstrating how law enforcement in Florida is responding to threats against public figures.

Officials reported that the investigation is ongoing. Details may be updated as more information becomes available.

Community Reaction and Related Incidents

The incident has drawn attention to the broader debate over free speech and the responsibilities of educators in Florida. Similar controversies have occurred elsewhere in the state. For example, a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission biologist was reportedly fired after a social media post about Charlie Kirk and is now suing for free speech, according to official sources.

The Palm Beach County School District has not released a formal statement regarding the threats against Ferguson or the ongoing police investigation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Palm Beach County School Board Member Threats

What happened to the Palm Beach County School Board member after the Charlie Kirk comments?

According to Riviera Beach Police, Edwin Ferguson received threatening and racially charged messages after making comments about Charlie Kirk at a school board meeting. Police are investigating the threats.

Are the threats against the Palm Beach County School Board member being investigated?

Yes, Riviera Beach Police Department reported that the threats are under active investigation. Officials have not yet identified any suspects.

What did Edwin Ferguson say about Charlie Kirk and teacher discipline?

Ferguson addressed concerns about possible disciplinary action against teachers for social media posts about Charlie Kirk. He advised teachers to be mindful of how they express their opinions to avoid discriminatory remarks.

Can teachers in Palm Beach County lose their certificates for social media posts?

According to the Florida Department of Education, negative comments on social media could lead to disciplinary action. Ferguson stated that only discriminatory comments would likely put a teacher’s certificate at risk.

Where did the threats against the school board member occur?

The threats were received at Edwin Ferguson’s office in Palm Beach County, and the complaint was filed with the Riviera Beach Police Department.

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