A Southwest Airlines flight attendant prayed for President Trump’s assassination on social media after a gunman breached security at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, triggering immediate backlash and an internal investigation by the airline.

The Disturbing Social Media Posts

Michele Carpino made the shocking plea on her Facebook page just minutes after news broke that would-be assassin Cole Allen stormed the annual black-tie Washington press bash on Saturday. “Oh please sweet baby Jesus,” Carpino wrote in a since-deleted Facebook post first reported by Libs of TikTok. “WE NEED BETTER ASSASSIN’S!” she commented after Secret Service agents thwarted Allen’s attack. Carpino has worked as a flight attendant with Southwest for 10 years, according to her LinkedIn profile.

History of Anti-Trump Rhetoric

The disturbing post represents just the latest in a series of anti-Trump social media activity from Carpino. “One day we will wake up to his obituary,” read one post from July 10, 2024, just three days before the Butler, Pennsylvania assassination attempt on Trump. Another post uncovered by Libs of TikTok showed Carpino using the phrase “86 47.” The term “86” is commonly used in restaurants and bars to mean discarding an item or refusing service, while “47” referred to Trump. That same phrase was posted to social media by former FBI director James Comey on May 15, 2025, leading to his federal indictment on April 28. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche called Comey’s post an illegal threat to “take the life of” the president.

Southwest Airlines Responds

The airline moved swiftly to address the controversy after concerned passengers flooded social media with complaints. “Sure wouldn’t feel comfortable with her taking care of myself or my family. Do better watching socials and hiring,” one user wrote to Southwest on X. A spokesperson for the airline told The Post that Southwest is “aware of these posts and we are addressing the situation.” The spokesperson added that “while we don’t comment on personnel matters, this content does not reflect our values and we take it seriously.” Carpino could not be reached for comment.

What This Means

The incident highlights growing concerns about social media vetting for employees in customer-facing positions, particularly those involving public safety. Airlines maintain strict codes of conduct for flight attendants, who serve as the primary safety personnel aboard aircraft. The timing of Carpino’s posts, coming immediately after a serious security breach at a presidential event, raised additional alarm among passengers and security experts. Southwest’s swift response suggests the airline recognizes the severity of an employee publicly calling for violence against the sitting president, regardless of political affiliation.