Crime
Pima County Deputy Ramon Hernandez Under Investigation for Social Media Posts Appearing to Celebrate Charlie Kirk Killing
PIMA COUNTY, Ariz. — A Pima County sheriff’s deputy is under internal investigation after social-media posts that appeared to celebrate the killing of activist Charlie Kirk drew public outrage, officials and local media report.
The deputy, identified in social posts as Ramon Hernandez, is alleged to have shared a series of messages condemning Kirk’s views and describing the slaying as “karma.” In the posts, Hernandez reportedly wrote that Kirk “only promoted hate, racism” and suggested the country is “long overdue for a revolution.”
He also referenced graphic accounts of civilian harm abroad and criticized U.S. and international policies while urging readers to “stand on the right side of history, especially if you’re a cop.”
The posts — which include strong language and condemnatory rhetoric — prompted concern from community members and elected officials about whether an officer who appears to celebrate violence can be trusted to serve impartially.
Critics noted that law-enforcement personnel are held to high standards of conduct and impartiality, particularly when policing communities that include individuals with differing political beliefs.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department confirmed it is aware of the social-media activity and has opened an internal review. Department spokespersons said the matter is being handled through standard internal-affairs procedures; no disciplinary determinations have been announced.
If substantiated, such conduct could lead to administrative discipline up to and including termination, depending on investigative findings and applicable policies.
Civil-rights advocates and local leaders called for a transparent review and clear communication from the sheriff’s office about the inquiry’s scope and outcome.
Law-enforcement oversight experts say investigations typically examine whether an officer’s speech violated department policies on professional conduct, impartiality, or use of social media, and whether it undermined public trust.
Hernandez has not publicly commented on the investigation.
The sheriff’s office has not released additional details about the probe’s timeline or any interim actions taken while the review is ongoing.
Authorities encourage anyone with relevant information about the posts or related conduct to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department’s internal affairs unit.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. — Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.