BOTHELL, Wash — The principal of North Creek High School announced he is "stepping away" after a social media post about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk drew backlash from parents and community members who said it was insensitive.

Eric McDowell, who had led the Bothell high school, confirmed the move in a message to familie. The decision came just days into the new school year and followed the circulation of a now-deleted Instagram post made from his personal account.

In the post, McDowell suggested that stricter gun control might have prevented Kirk’s death, writing that “thoughts and prayers did not keep him alive.” The message, which also included the word “Oops,” was widely shared before being deleted.

Kirk, 30, was shot and killed last week at a public event in Ut

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