Winnsboro ISD investigating band director comments on Kirk’s death

WINNSBORO – Winnsboro ISD is investigating after parents reported that their students heard the assistant band director say that conservative activist, Charlie Kirk, who was killed Wednesday, “had it coming.”

According to our news partner KETK, the district said that allegations have been made regarding statements about Kirk by the high school assistant band director, Chace LeBlanc. Kirk was assassinated while speaking at Utah Valley University on Wednesday.

Brother of Winnsboro ISD student, Kenny Crow, explained his outrage over these statements: “I am disgusted by his actions as a former student.”

While a family friend of LeBlanc, Gwen Barnett, explained that LeBlanc is not hateful or radical: “He may sit a little more moderate than right wing in comparison to our East Texas community, but he is not a hateful, radical by any means. He was simply explaining to his young adult students that individuals who put themselves in that position are risking their lives, because those conversations can get heated and leave people angry. LeBlanc is not a hateful, violent person. If he was, he wouldn’t be considered a family friend.”

LeBlanc made a statement on Thursday evening regarding the allegations, claiming he would never condone violence against another human being.

” Due to the ongoing investigation, I cannot comment on specific details,” LeBlanc said.”What I can say is this: having lost my mother at the age of 10 and growing up without a father, I know firsthand the pain of such loss. I would never condone or celebrate the assassination of anyone, least of all the murder of a father to two young children.”

The district has since released a statement regarding the incident, explaining that they “do not condone political hate, hate speech or discrimination of any kind.”

“Our schools are places where every student should feel safe, respected and supported. The trust you place in us to educate and care for your children is something we do not take lightly. While we are limited in what we can share during an ongoing personnel matter, we are committed to upholding the values of respect, inclusivity and professionalism in our district. We appreciate your support as we work through this process and remain focused on our mission of providing a safe and positive learning environment for all students.”

Winnsboro ISD

The district could not confirm that LeBlanc said “Charlie Kirk had it coming” despite parents alleging the incident happened. KETK News has reached out to LeBlanc to comment on these allegations, but he has not replied.