Sheriff’s deputies have increased patrols around Pleasant Hill schools after social media posts made by a district employee about the shooting of Charlie Kirk, the school district’s superintendent said Friday, Sept. 12.

The district is “in close contact with law enforcement,” Superintendent Jim Crist said in a statement, but added that the district has received no “credible” threats.

Lane County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Tim Wallace referred questions to the school district, but confirmed the extra patrols were “out of an abundance of caution at their request.”

A post stating, “Well, he got what he preached,” has been widely circulated online. The post cites a 2023 quote from Kirk in which the conservative leader said that having some shooting deaths was a “prudent deal” in order to keep gun rights.

“Due to the significant disruption these posts have caused in Pleasant Hill schools, the employee has been placed on paid administrative leave while we conduct a thorough review of the situation,” Crist said in the statement.

In an email to Lookout, Crist said the district on Thursday placed the employee on administrative leave.

“The caution on putting the employee on leave was due to the disruption that is caused in these circumstances that takes away from our core mission of teaching and learning,” Crist said.

Asked about reaction to the post, Crist said: “We have received a significant number of emails, phone calls, and messages over the last two days. While some have expressed anger, most are focused on sharing their concerns about the situation and the disruption it has caused to our school community. We are working to ensure all concerns are heard and addressed appropriately.”

It isn’t clear from Crist’s statement what specifically led to safety concerns.

Patrols are being done to “provide additional reassurance for students, staff, and visitors.” Crist said.

Kirk was shot Wednesday while speaking to a crowd at Utah Valley University. He later died, and authorities on Friday announced that a 22-year-old Utah man has been arrested in connection with the shooting.

The Pleasant Hill district is projected to have 962 students this school year, according to a budget document posted online.