Facebook post about Trump’s attempted murder triggers investigation into Tarboro officials

TARBORO, NC (WNCN) – “Damn. Just inches away from making America great again…”

These 11 words have placed a 24-year veteran of the Tarboro Police Department in North Carolina on administrative leave pending an internal investigation. A screenshot of the post shared with CBS 17 shows the post being made by Detective Sergeant Brandon Richardson.

Tarboro Police Chief Rick Mann confirmed Monday that Richardson is now under investigation.

On Monday, Mann responded to the post on Facebook, which provoked many different reactions.

“We take this matter very seriously as it does not reflect the values ​​and standards of our department,” Mann said in the post. “We understand that such incidents can impact public trust and we are committed to treating this matter with the seriousness and responsibility it deserves.”

Mann said the department “took immediate action to resolve the situation,” including placing Richardson on leave and launching an internal investigation to “determine the background and details surrounding the position.”

To continue to maintain its high standards of professionalism and integrity, the department will also review its social media policies to ensure they comply with best practices and “clearly communicate our expectations,” according to the chief.

Richardson apologized on his own Facebook page.

The post read, in part: “My attempt at black humor was completely inappropriate and tasteless. I now realize that my words were not only inappropriate, but also deeply offensive to many of you. For that, I am sincerely sorry.”

Richardson said he took full responsibility. He asked readers of the post to “think of Mr. Trump and his family as he heals this physical and emotional wound.”

Richardson joined the Tarboro Police Department in 2000 as a patrol officer before being promoted to detective in the police department’s investigative division in May 2014.