SE Minnesota News

Rep. Brad Finstad (R-MN), who represents Minnesota’s 1st district in the U.S. Congress, has renewed his call for Minnesota State University, Mankato to seek the immediate resignation of Professor Kevin Parsneau after repeated controversial remarks that appear to excuse or glorify violence.

In a letter addressed to university president Edward Inch, Finstad criticized Parsneau’s recent comments following the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk. On social media, Parsneau described Kirk as a “POS who died of the violence he promoted happening to others” and added, “Ignoring that racist POS is the only thing the Vikings did right Sunday.”

“While hundreds of young people gathered in Mankato to mourn Charlie Kirk and honor his legacy, they were forced to see their professor mock his murder. That is beyond unacceptable,” said Rep. Finstad. “I once again call on Minnesota State University, Mankato to take action and demand Mr. Parsneau’s immediate resignation. Our students deserve better.”

Parsneau previously attracted national attention in 2024 after posting about UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson’s assassin: “It’s going to be disappointing if he’s a one-off killer instead of a serial killer.” At that time, Finstad also called for Parsneau's resignation.

Minnesota State University, Mankato responded by stating it “does not endorse views expressed by employees on their personal social media accounts” and emphasized its values of “Integrity, Respect, and Responsibility.” The university declined further comment on personnel matters due to privacy laws.

Finstad argues that these statements do not sufficiently address harm caused to students.

The full letter from Finstad reiterates concerns about repeated inflammatory remarks made by Parsneau and calls for urgent action from university leadership:

“President Inch,

I write today regarding troubling reports that Kevin Parsneau, a professor in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Minnesota State University, Mankato, has once again made inflammatory remarks in connection with the recent tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk.

Mr. Parsneau reportedly commented on a Threads post by describing Charlie Kirk as a ‘POS who died by the violence he promoted happening to others,’ and in another post added, ‘Ignoring that racist POS is the only thing the Vikings did right on Sunday.’

As you are aware, this is not an isolated incident. In December 2024, following the assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, Mr. Parsneau wrote on Facebook: ‘It’s going to be disappointing if he’s a one-off killer instead of a serial killer.’ Such reprehensible statements cannot be dismissed as mere personal opinion—they reflect a repeated pattern of promoting or excusing violence.

Violence in any form must be condemned unequivocally. Mr. Parsneau’s repeated history of such conduct is unacceptable, and it is deeply concerning that he continues to be entrusted with a platform within academia. Students deserve an environment where they can pursue their education free from exposure to faculty who openly glorify or encourage violence.

While hundreds gathered alongside the Turning Point USA Mankato chapter on September 16th to attend a vigil honoring the life of Charlie Kirk, it is unacceptable that these students, some who had personal relationships with Mr. Krik [sic], would be subjected to Mr. Parsneau’s repeated despicable conduct.

I once again call on Minnesota State University, Mankato to demand Mr. Parsneau’s immediate resignation. Thank you for your urgent attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

Brad Finstad

Member of Congress”

Hundreds attended a vigil organized by Turning Point USA Mankato chapter on September 16th following Kirk's death (https://www.mankatofreepress.com/news/local_news/hundreds-gather-to-remember-charlie-kirk/article_132b0c9a-740f-4676-9b83-4a8fce21d215.html). Reports about Professor Parsneau's remarks have been covered by local news outlets (https://alphanews.org/msu-professor-again-makes-inflammatory-remarks-this-time-about-charlie-kirk/).

Finstad has served in Congress since 2022 after replacing Jim Hagedorn and previously was part of the Minnesota House of Representatives from 2003–2009. He was born in New Ulm in 1976 and currently resides there; he graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Science degree.