A marketing coordinator is no longer employed with the City of Marble Falls after a social media video she posted made an apparent inappropriate reference about the death of a political activist.
On Sept. 10, April Stevens, 27, posted a TikTok video about the assassination of Turning Point USA's Charlie Kirk at a Utah college campus.
Kirk, 31, an influential conservative activist, was shot that day as he launched the “The American Comeback” tour, rallying for young Republican voters.
April Stevens appeared while videotaping herself in the driver's seat of a vehicle as music played. A caption over the video read “rest in distress Charlie,” along with a reference from lyrics “no one mourns the wicked” and the hashtag “relatable.”
The video went viral, capturing the attention of hundreds of commenters on Facebook who shared links to the video.
Over a 24-hour period, dozens of well-known community members including Tara Faith Luke, Eric Hibler and Robert Sotkovski Jr. pressed fellow commenters to reach out to city leaders. Luke called the post “vile disgusting.” Sotkovski shared contact information so that city leaders got the message the community wanted her “removed.”
Hibler shared a letter online he wrote to the mayor and human resources director.
“The content and behavior displayed in this video were deeply disturbing, showing a level of disrespect for human life that is wholly unacceptable for anyone, let alone a representative of our city,” Hibler wrote. “Ms. Stevens' conduct in this matter reflects poorly on the City of Marble Falls and undermines public trust.
“I respectfully call for the immediate termination of her employment. Her behavior should not be tolerated, and the City must make it clear that such conduct has no place within its administration.”
By about noon Friday, Sept. 12, after conferring with attorneys, officials announced that Stevens was “no longer employed” with the city.
Officials could not offer specific details about Stevens' departure, nor would they reveal whether she was fired or resigned her position.
However, City Manager Caleb Caleb Kraenzel did confirm that, “Each employee signs off on the policy manual, which includes the code of conduct.”
The city's “Conduct and Performance Guidelines” addresses everything from attire and attendance to conduct on or off city time.
For example, one excerpt directs employee behavior under “Unbecoming Conduct.”
“An employee will conduct himself/herself at all times, both on and off the job, in such a manner so as to reflect favorably on the City,” the section reads. “Conduct unbecoming an employee includes that which tends to bring the City into disrepute or which reflects discredit upon the employee as a city employee or which tends to impair the operation of the City or the employee.”
City officials did share a more extensive statement which included quotes from the city manager and mayor on their social media page and website as well as with area media.
“The City of Marble Falls is aware of recent social media statements made by a member of City staff regarding the tragic shooting of political activist Charlie Kirk. The City promptly reviewed the matter, and the employee involved is no longer employed with the City of Marble Falls,” according to the statement. “The City of Marble Falls reaffirms its commitment to serving the public with integrity, compassion, and respect, and to maintaining a workplace and community environment that reflects these values.”
Mayor John Packer wrote: “Marble Falls is a close-knit community built on hard work, respect for others, and pride in service. Our residents take seriously the importance of compassion, dignity, and treating one another with fairness.”
Kraenzel added: “As a municipal organization, the City expects its employees to uphold these shared values every day.
“The City’s core values of teamwork, respect, integrity, pride, and professionalism guide how we work together within the organization and how we provide service to the residents, businesses, and visitors of Marble Falls,” he added. “Consistent with city policy, we will not provide additional details regarding the personnel matter.”
According to her LinkedIn page, Stevens had worked for the city just over two years since June 2023. Other jobs included working as a nanny for three years starting in 2014; a private family executive assistant in 2016; a research assistance in 2016 and a teaching assistant at Colorado Christian University in 2016.
Her page stated that she attended Colorado Christian University from 2013 to 2016; and traveled to France for “summer study” at IAU College – Aix en Provence in 2016. She was a volunteer leader for Young Life at Chatfield Senior High School in Ken Caryl, Colorado, the profile continued.
A call to Stevens the day prior to her leaving the city was not returned.
On Sotkovski's final social media post on the subject he stated: “Let me be as clear as I can be, there is no place for ANYONE to celebrate a person’s death no matter if you care for them or not.
“Not only do I hope that this may open the eyes of the folks around our community, but also show respect for others around you,” Sotkovski added. “I’ve lived here my whole life and boy what a big change I’ve seen here.
“Please take God and put him in your hearts and things will be so awesome.”
After fielding a number of calls, emails and direct inquiries from local residents, Packer told The Highlander in a statement that: “The City of Marble Falls values the voices of our residents and appreciates those who recently shared their concerns.
“We want our community to know that when issues are brought to our attention, whether in person, by phone, or on social media, we take them seriously and work to address them,” Packer continued. “Your feedback helps us ensure that Marble Falls remains a place we are all proud to call home.”
Charlie Kirk, an influential conservative activist, was killed Sept. 10 at a university in Utah during the 'The American Comeback' tour, rallying for young Republican voters.
April Stevens appeared while videotaping herself in the driver's seat of a vehicle as music played with her singing along at a certain point.
April Stevens formerly worked as the marketing coordinator for the city. Her photo was removed from the city website on Sept. 12, about a day after she posted a controversial TikTok video about Charlie Kirk.
