A Kansas City social media employee was terminated after a controversial post on the city’s official X account targeted Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker. Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas confirmed on KCMO talk radio that the employee had been “separated” from their job for posting beyond authorized communications. A city spokesperson added, “The employee has been separated from the City workforce for violation of City policy by posting outside the scope of authorized City communications. The City will have no further comment on the post or individual employees related to it.”

The unnamed employee’s post came in the wake of Butker’s commencement speech at Benedictine College, where he criticized President Joe Biden, the COVID-19 response, Pride Month, and working women, expressing his conservative Catholic views. The post from the city’s account read: “Just a reminder that Harrison Butker lives in the City of Lee’s Summit.”

The controversial tweet came in response to Butker’s recent commencement speech at Benedictine College. Butker’s address touched on various topics including his conservative Catholic beliefs, criticism of Pride Month, President Joe Biden, and traditional gender roles. He stated, “I think it is you, the women, who have had the most diabolical lies told to you,” emphasizing marriage and motherhood as primary aspirations.

Meanwhile, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes defended Butker in a press conference on Wedenesday, saying, “I’ve known [Harrison] for seven years and I judge him by the character that he shows every single day. And that’s a good person. That’s someone who cares about the people around him, cares about his family, and wants to make a good impact in society.”

Head coach Andy Reid echoed a sentiment of respect for diverse opinions within the team, noting, “I didn’t talk to him about [the speech]. We’re a microcosm of life here, from different areas, different religions, races and so we all get along and we all respect each other’s opinions.”

The termination of the social media ͏emplo͏yee underscores the sensitivity surrounding public statements, espec͏ially in off͏ic͏ial capacities. While͏ Butker’s speech ignited debate, the mayor showed his support and apologized for this incident.

Attorney General to investigate the Harrison Butker post

Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas issued an apology regarding the social media post, acknowledging its inappropriate nature for a public account. He stated, “The message was clearly inappropriate for a public account. The City has correctly apologized for the error, will review account access, and ensure nothing like it is shared in the future from public channels.”

Following t͏he apology, a ͏spoke͏sperson from͏ Lucas͏’s office confirmed the termination of the employee responsible fo͏r the post. M͏eanwhile, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey’s of͏fice͏ requested documents concerning͏ ͏the͏ dele͏ted tweet, alle͏ging that Chiefs kic͏ker w͏as doxxed for hi͏s relig͏ious be͏liefs.

Attorney General Bailey asserted, “Our nation is founded on a bedrock commitment to the free exercise of religion… Missouri law specifically prohibits faith-based discrimination against Missouri residents. Yet, your office apparently believes it is appropriate to denigrate a devout Catholic for comments he made about his own faith at a religious college.”

The mayor’s apology and the Attorney General’s investigation further emphasize the need for adherence to policies and the protection of religious freedom.