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Outrage erupts after release of photo showing entire officer class performing Nazi salute

Outrage erupts after release of photo showing entire officer class performing Nazi salute

The extent to which white supremacists have infiltrated America’s law enforcement was made disturbingly clear on Thursday when a photograph showing an entire basic training class of the West Virginia Department of Corrections all performing the Nazi “Sieg heil” salute went viral on social media.

Local ABC affiliate WHCS reports that numerous West Virginia DOC employees have been suspended as Governor Jim Justice demands to see heads roll over the appallingly hateful display by the ostensible protectors of their communities.

“I condemn the photo of Basic Training Class #18 in the strongest possible terms. I have directed Secretary Jeff Sandy of the Department of Military Affairs and Public Safety to continue actively investigating this incident and I have ordered the termination of all those that are found to be involved in this conduct. This will not be tolerated on my watch – within the Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation – or within any agency of state government” said Justice in a statement.

Add your name to demand the firing of Stephen Miller. White supremacists have no place in the White House!

As the frequency of white supremacist violence in the United States skyrockets under the Trump presidency, it is incredibly disturbing to learn how deeply sympathy for white supremacist runs in American law enforcement agencies.

There is a foul rot at the heart of American policing that has existed since its very beginning as slave patrols and union-busters, and that will not change until we begin to take responsibility, demand real accountability, and begin to pick the bad apples out of the barrel.

Original reporting by Kennie Bass and Leslie Rubin at WCHS/WVAH.

Colin Taylor
Opinion columnist and former editor-in-chief of Occupy Democrats. He graduated from Bennington College with a Bachelor's degree in history and political science. He now focuses on advancing the cause of social justice and equality in America.

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