Connecticut teacher Annie Dunleavy suspended after threatening violence against Trump supporters

Chapman School in Cheshire removes teacher Annie Dunleavy after video of her threatening Trump supporters goes viral.

Annie Dunleavy, a special education teacher at Chapman School in Cheshire, Connecticut, was removed from her position following the emergence of a viral video in which she threatened violence against supporters of President-elect Donald Trump.

Social media users, spurred by the viral footage, quickly identified Dunleavy, leading the school district to address the incident. The video, initially posted on Snapchat as a private message, was recorded and circulated widely after being shared by the popular X account Libs of TikTok, which highlighted Dunleavy’s threats with the caption, “She should not be anywhere near school children.”

Meet Annie Dunleavy, a special education teacher at Chapman School (@CheshirePublic) in CT who reportedly posted a video online threatening to k*II and hurt Trump supporters.

She should not be anywhere near school children. pic.twitter.com/OAs2U4rrbV

— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) November 11, 2024

Cheshire Public Schools Superintendent Jeff Solan confirmed that the district became aware of the video over the weekend and acted swiftly to address the situation. “It became immediately clear that it will be impossible to conduct business as usual for our students and staff without temporarily removing the teacher from the building, so we have done so until the outcome of the investigation,” Solan said in a statement to the school community.

UPDATE: The Superintendent of Cheshire, Connecticut Public Schools provided an update on special education teacher Annie Dunleavy.

Jeffrey F. Solan sent this letter saying she had been removed from her from the building pending an investigation.

Is she working or on leave? pic.twitter.com/qXn6X5A6t1

— Kristi L. Talmadge (@KristiTalmadge) November 12, 2024

Solan noted that while most responses have come from individuals outside Cheshire, “The Cheshire Public Schools is reviewing this situation as a personnel matter and as such, we are following all applicable laws.”

Solan further assured that although no direct threats have been made against the school, a police presence would be maintained “out of an abundance of caution.” The district's response aims to ensure a secure environment for students and staff while the investigation is underway.