A member of a Pennsylvania school board, Misty Hunt, faced intense scrutiny during a highly charged public meeting after she was accused of rejoicing over the death of Charlie Kirk.

Hunt, part of the Homer-Center School Board, came under fire when a controversial post appeared on her social media coinciding with the day Kirk was tragically shot in Utah.

The statement, which was posted just moments after the conservative activist’s assassination read: ‘One down, hundreds to go.’ 

Outrage spread across the internet as she faced backlash for her apparent celebration of the political figure’s demise, prompting calls from her community to resign from her position.

On Thursday, around 60 people crammed into an elementary school gymnasium in Homer City, 50 miles east of Pittsburgh, for a contentious showdown with Hunt. 

Hunt, who has served on the board for years, addressed the concerns saying the post had been grossly misunderstood. 

According to her, the ambiguous caption referred not to Kirk, but to a video she attempted to upload – unsuccessfully – of milkweed seeds she was dispersing as part of a conservation effort for monarch butterflies.

‘My social media post was not made with Charlie Kirk in mind,’ she announced. 

‘It was in fact made to showcase the dispersal of hundreds of dried milkweed seeds that I collected which are vital for the conservation of monarch butterfly habitats.’ 

Hunt went on in defense of her ‘misunderstood’ post. 

‘I attempted to explain the error,’ Hunt told the crowd Thursday night. ‘I then realized it had been shared and attempted to clarify in each post what had happened, but it seemed many folks were understandably emotional.’

Dozens in attendance weren’t buying the butterfly defense, and several unleashed a blistering verbal assault during the public comment portion of the meeting, with some even demanding Hunt’s resignation.

‘The First Amendment is one thing, being ignorant and posting about a man’s tragic assassination is another – especially when you chose to post where thousands, including children, could read it,’ one speaker said.

‘Shame on you,’ the speaker added, ‘for choosing to overstep your boundaries as a school board member. You have affected thousands with your inhumane words and actions.’

Her remarks were met with resounding applause.

Another scathing critique came from a former board member, who said Hunt should resign ‘out of respect for the students, the staff, members of the school board and the entire community.’

‘This is unacceptable,’ the former board member said, encouraging the crowd to ‘vote no’ on Hunt in the upcoming school board election.

A third speaker also wasn’t convinced by Hunt’s claim of ignorance.

‘Freedom of speech does not mean freedom of consequences,’ she said, before launching into a character critique of Hunt herself.

‘She uses vulgar language all the time. She posts on social media, she’s not biased in her politics, she knows what she stands for. She knows what she’s preaching…’

The speaker then alleged the board member, who she claimed to know before the September 10 post, had been quick to attack others online.

‘If she was truly apologetic,’ the speaker said, ‘then she wouldn’t have told people to “go touch grass” and “you don’t know what you’re talking about.”‘

‘She meant it for Charlie Kirk. You can dig into Facebook and see all the evidence… That’s all I have to say. Now go touch some grass.’

After the fiery public comment period, most attendees left, leaving only about a quarter of the original crowd for the remainder of the session. The board moved on with routine matters. 

Hunt said she’s received death threats, that her family is afraid to go out in public, and that she’s even had to consult with legal counsel.

In response to the controversy, Hunt announced she would be stepping back from board duties until after the November elections, abstaining from votes and withdrawing from the negotiations committee – an outcome she said made her feel ‘pretty awful.’

The Thursday evening school board meeting, moved from its usual central office location to the elementary school gymnasium to accommodate the expected crowd, was complete with metal detectors, bag checks, and a visible law enforcement presence.

Hunt posted on Facebook again on Saturday to thank all of those who have reached out and offered condolences on the tense situation.

‘Thank you. All of you. For the check ins, the chats, the hugs, the prayers.’

‘I have been quiet. I have avoided liking things as I navigate some legal things and decide where to go from here. But I see you being brave and standing up for our rights as Americans who subscribe to democracy.

‘If you find yourself overwhelmed by the Big-ness of the world, I suggest you turn off the screen, and step into the woods – for the trees do not judge us,’ the post concluded.