Posted on 09/25/2025 5:50:39 PM PDT by Impala64ssa
Gentle Care Animal Hospital in Edmond is closed after owner Dr. Christopher Rispoli’s post about Charlie Kirk's assassination sparked backlash.
The Edmond veterinarian who wrote a now-deleted post, but widely shared, about the assassination of Charlie Kirk has issued his first public statement.
Gentle Care Animal Hospital in Edmond has been closed since its owner, Dr. Christopher Rispoli, faced backlash over a social media post about Kirk's assassination earlier this month. The clinic’s staff and Rispoli have now each issued statements addressing the fallout.
The clinic closure represents a nationwide wave of firings, closures, and job losses related to comments about Kirk's death.
Staff says the post does not reflect clinic values In a message released Monday, the hospital’s staff emphasized that the post did not represent their values or the care they provided.
“The social media post made by Dr. Chris, the clinic’s owner, was insensitive, hurtful, and deeply misaligned with the values and beliefs of our associate veterinarian and staff,” the statement read. “It does not represent who we are as professionals or as a team.”
Staff said Rispoli is no longer practicing medicine and has no plans to return. The clinic is closed, but a small team is working remotely to give clients access to medical records.
Plans for new ownership face challenges The statement also revealed that prior to the controversy, the long-term plan was for the clinic’s associate veterinarian to assume ownership once Dr. Rispoli retired.
After Rispoli made his post, the associate veterinarian and staff had interest in moving forward with a change of ownership and a rebrand, provided Dr. Rispoli stepped away permanently.
However, staff said that the level of backlash has complicated that process. While some clients have privately supported the idea of reopening under new leadership, others have called for the clinic to close for good.
“A successful transition requires not only financial stability but also community trust,” the staff wrote. “The ability to rebuild depends heavily on whether the community is willing to support a new chapter for the clinic.”
The associate veterinarian has not made a final decision on ownership, and staff said they are weighing financial challenges and public sentiment before moving forward.
Dr. Rispoli issues apology and accepts responsibility Dr. Rispoli also issued his own statement, accepting responsibility for the controversy and its impact on employees.
“I am writing to take full, unequivocal responsibility for the hateful and insensitive statement I made earlier this month,” he said. “There is no excuse for my words, and I deeply regret the pain and hurt they have caused our community.”
Dr. Rispoli, who has practiced veterinary medicine for 28 years, said the closure of the clinic is “a direct result” of his actions.
“I am heartbroken for my dedicated team of twelve employees, who are innocent bystanders in this situation,” he wrote. “They did not deserve to lose their jobs or their workplace. I am committed to doing everything in my power to support them during this difficult transition.”
He said his focus now is on reflection and personal growth, with no plans to return to veterinary medicine.
Dr. Rispoli, and the hospital's other staff, each declined requests to participate in an interview.
Wider backlash in Oklahoma The Edmond case is part of a larger wave of disciplinary actions in Oklahoma tied to the aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s assassination. State Superintendent Ryan Walters announced that more than 70 teachers are under investigation for comments made online, at school, or in private settings that were reported through the state’s “Awareity” monitoring system.
Walters has threatened termination for educators who refused to participate in official memorials or who posted what he called “defamatory or egregious comments.”
The controversy has reignited debate over free speech in the state. Lawmakers emphasized that while the First Amendment protects offensive or unpopular speech, employers retain the right to discipline employees if statements harm their institutions.
“There's ugly speech, there's gross speech, there's evil speech, and all of that speech is protected by your First Amendment,” former lawmaker Jason Dunnington said, quoting Kirk himself. “But that doesn’t mean you’re free from consequences.”
Related: First Amendment debate intensifies amid Charlie Kirk fallout and state politics
Both statements in their entirety are provided below:
Gentle Care Animal Hospital staff statement We, the staff, would like to provide context and information regarding the recent situation. Up to this point, we have not had an opportunity to share our perspective, and we believe it is important that the facts are clearly understood. First and foremost, the social media post made by Dr. Chris, the clinic’s owner, was insensitive, hurtful, and deeply misaligned with the values and beliefs of our associate veterinarian and staff. It does not represent who we are as professionals or as a team. Our commitment has always been to practice veterinary medicine with compassion, professionalism, and respect for all. We sincerely regret the harm caused by that post and want to be clear that it in no way reflects the principles of those who have been caring for this community day in and day out.
Dr. Chris is no longer practicing medicine and has expressed no plans to return to the field. At present, a small team is working remotely to ensure that clients can continue to access their medical records. The clinic itself remains closed, and its future is under careful review. For years, our associate veterinarian, practice manager, and staff invested their time, skill, and dedication into building the clinic’s reputation. The original long-term plan was for our associate veterinarian to assume ownership once Dr. Chris retired. In light of recent events, the associate veterinarian and staff made it clear they were willing to move forward with ownership and a full rebrand on the condition that Dr. Chris permanently stepped away. This would have allowed continuity of care for clients while also ensuring a fresh start under leadership aligned with the values our community expects. Unfortunately, the fallout from the post has made this transition more complex. While many clients have expressed private support and a desire to follow our associate veterinarian wherever they practice, the public facing response has included significant backlash.
Phone calls, emails, and social media comments continue daily, with many insisting that the clinic remain permanently closed. This has created a challenging environment for reopening, even under new ownership and a different name. A successful transition requires not only financial stability but also community trust. The costs associated with rebranding, updating legal ownership, and reopening operations are substantial. Without revenue during closure, it is difficult to cover ongoing expenses such as payroll and overhead. More importantly, the ability to rebuild depends heavily on whether the community is willing to support a new chapter for the clinic. We want to be transparent: the associate veterinarian has not yet made a final decision about pursuing ownership. The staff recognizes the risks involved but also knows the strength of the relationships built with clients over the years.
We believe there is a foundation of support that could sustain a new beginning, though it will require careful planning, clear communication, and genuine community partnership. We also acknowledge that words cannot undo the harm caused, nor can they erase the pain experienced by those impacted. What we can do is reaffirm our values and clarify that the individuals who provided care within these walls have always been guided by compassion, respect, and a genuine dedication to animal health and wellbeing. Our hope in sharing this is not to shift blame or ask for sympathy, but to ensure that our voice is included in the conversation. The actions of one individual do not erase the years of service, trust, and care that our staff and associate veterinarian have provided. We remain committed to veterinary medicine and to finding a path forward that upholds the integrity of our profession and the trust of our community. Thank you for taking the time to hear our perspective on this matter. Respectfully, The Staff
Dr. Rispoli's statement A Message to My Community I am writing to take full, unequivocal responsibility for the hateful and insensitive statement I made earlier this month. There is no excuse for my words, and I deeply regret the pain and hurt they have caused our community and the individuals affected. I have been a veterinarian for 28 years, and my actions have betrayed the trust placed in me by pet owners and my colleagues. I understand that my words have consequences, and it is my responsibility to face them. The closure of my clinic is a direct result of my actions. I am heartbroken for my dedicated team of twelve employees, who are innocent bystanders in this situation. They did not deserve to lose their jobs or their workplace.
I am committed to doing everything in my power to support them during this difficult transition, including providing financial assistance and helping them secure new positions in the veterinary community. My focus now is on reflecting and working to become a better person. I will continue to support my team and to make amends to the community I have wronged. I have no expectation of being forgiven, but I am committed to demonstrating through my actions that I am truly sorry for the pain I have caused. Sincerely, Dr. Christopher Rispoli
FAFO.
And I would not leave any of my animals in your care because if you are this way toward a human I find it easy to believe someone of your low morals would torture the pets of people you do not like.
So, by extension, I would never patronize a business you were employed at, even as a toilet scrubber.
Now having said that your business can decide if retaining the glory of your talent is worth losing business.
Usually not.
Edmond Oklahoma is not a good place to make disparaging comments about Charlie Kirk.
Especially after Oklahoma announced they were going to start TPUSA in all Oklahoma High Schools.
The wind blows all the time in Oklahoma and this Veterinarian should have stuck his hand outside the window to see which way the wind was blowing.
Doctor Christopher Spicoli?
Nowhere in the Wall of Word Salad did they actually report on what he actually said. And it took two (2) people to write, apparently.
What did he actually say? One would think that would be a part of the story. Since that is the story. One would be wrong. I want to know what he said, specifically.
“””The original long-term plan was for our associate veterinarian to assume ownership once Dr. Chris retired.”””
The new long-term plan is for Dr Chris to give the associate vet the business for zero dollars. Plus Dr Chris will pay the salary of the 12 employees for the next 12 months.
Looks like a very punchable face...
Thanks!
That statement should have been a clear and prominent part of that article.
“There’s ugly speech, there’s gross speech, there’s evil speech, and all of that speech is protected by your First Amendment,” former lawmaker Jason Dunnington said, quoting Kirk himself. “But that doesn’t mean you’re free from consequences.”
Chris Rispoli should be careful that no one throws him onto the floor of a WNBA game...
The damn planet is 60% full of friggin hater maggots. Communism is on it’s last breath. I hope all of the nasty pigs croak.
He thought it out, he typed it up, and he posted it. What did he think was going to happen?!
Close the clinic. The staff will find work elsewhere.
The man cheered murder in a school shooting. That crossed the line.
Yeah maybe he’s not practicing there but he owns it. No dice. I would have absolutely nothing to do with that clinic. I wouldn’t associate with that clinic at all anymore if that were where I was taking one of my pets.
Statement that like makes you wonder if any animals “didn’t make it” because he found out their owners were Republicans...
I am not unsympathetic to the innocent employees who are just doing their jobs...but he's the one making the profits from the business.
They need to quit and take their talents to a reputable facility.
I suspect liberal 'teachers' take out thier hate on our kids too. Daddy keys our cars and "mommy' teaches our kids to hate ...
Except from the government. That’s what 1A protects you from.
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