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Flomaton Police Officer’s Social Media Post Under Investigation; Officer Placed On Leave
November 5, 2020
UPDATE: THE OFFICER HAS RESIGNED. CLICK HERE FOR UPDATED STORY.
An internal investigation is underway into a social media post by a Flomaton Police Department captain.
The Flomaton Police Department has not publicly identified the officer, but according to WPMI NBC 15, he is Captain Scott Walden.
“They need to line up ev1 of them and put a bullet in their skull,” Walden commented from his personal Facebook account. His reply was made to another individual’s post that stated, “The idiots that voted for Biden hated Trump enough to throw the country away. Thank the lying liberals and democrats news media”.
In another post on his personal page, Walden said he was calling for the punishment for treason as prescribed by law, not any kind of violence.
Flomaton Police Chief Charles Thompson said the statements are under investigation and could result in termination.
Thompson told NorthEscambia.com that the officer has been placed on administrative leave “for his safety and the safety of his family”.
“Copies of the comments and complaints have been acquired and retained for Internal Investigations,” Thompson wrote in a press release, saying that he expects to provide an update later today.
“The Flomaton Police Department holds officer’s contact to the highest standard and will continue to do so,” the police chief said.
Comments
78 Responses to “Flomaton Police Officer’s Social Media Post Under Investigation; Officer Placed On Leave”
Freedom of speech doesn’t mean freedom from consequences. A licensed police officer has no business speaking about (or even joking about) putting bullets in people’s heads. A licensed police officer has no business speaking about (or even joking about) putting bullets in traitor’s heads. Police do not punish. Ever.
“if one of your children was raped and killed or just killed by an illegal by the acceptance of these policies if you would have a change of heart”
There’s a legal way to do it?
Reading some of these comments makes me want to vomit. People are really defending this puke, and saying that we should all just let it ride. This person is a danger to himself and others. He should not be allowed to be around firearms or sharp objects. He should always stay on the ground level. This person is mentally deranged. And to try to defend it with a trumpian explanation is hilarious.
And for the “open borders” idiot, nobody, coming from anywhere else, wants to rape you, or your cross-eyed, bucktoothed, son, and your tarantula faced daughter. I get so sick of these racists using these phrases, fomented by the orange orangutan, squatting in the White House. You people are so racist, you’re sick.
It amazes me how ignorant so many people are. Everyone wants to hide behind the First Amendment when it benefits them in their calls but not let everybody have that right. They’ll be the first to condemn somebody if they say something that they do not agree with and does not fit their political agenda. Welcome to the new America where you can lose your job or be forced to resign for expressing your opinion and views. If you think it’s bad now just wait if we get so unfortunate that somehow Biden steals the election and gets elected in as president, in about a year all you liberals will be crying. Be careful what you’ve asked for because the Democrats are about to give it to you.
http://www.northescambia.com/2020/11/flomaton-police-captain-resigns-after-facebook-post
This election just proved how many racists and horrible people we have in this small town. Your mothers and fathers should be ashamed of themselves and you.
one of the democrats policies is open borders and sanctuary cities, id like to see if one of your children was raped and killed or just killed by an illegal by the acceptance of these policies if you would have a change of heart about coming down on the officer so hard
I hope this man does not lose his job for saying what many are thinking. Especially if it was said as a personal belief and not professionally. He did not say he was going to put a bullet in anyone. His rights should NOT be infringed upon. What is happening in this country is an attempted coup by the Left, to overthrow The American Government, our way of life, and set up their Marxist ways. Trust me…. You will NOT like it. I had friends that escaped Cuba. There is a reason they risked their life to leave.
Fact: In THIS country, the penalty for TREASON was DEATH…………by shooting or by hanging. THAT is what I was taught in school, before the Communists infiltrated our educational system. MANY have been brainwashed and indoctrinated.. It is written that good shall be called evil and evil shall be called good. Well, here we are.
May I suggest that anyone applying for a position where they would serve the public as a tax-payer paid employee, making critical decisions affecting peoples lives (or existence)…at least where life and death situations are concerned, that they should be required to answer the questions on an MMPI, The Minnesota Multi-Phase, Personality Inventory? That would include politicians running for office. Then the results could be evaluated, several times (if necessary), by teams of psychologists. I had to take one to become a Mental Health Technician, it’s a very good screening device.
To protect and serve that’s the oath you took.
You are entitled to your freedom of speech but keep your private thoughts to yourself.
I would hate to need your help and you realize I voted against your candidate. There goes my head. How very sad
“We had the democratic congress say the same about Trump supporters. No problem there”
Do you have a source for this? I haven’t heard this. If true, same result should happen. You shouldn’t hold a position of power and suggest executing someone over their vote.
Really people! Why are people even talking about this? The level of hypocrisy here is unbelievable. He screwed up and must pay the consequences. Its his “freedom of speech” only if you agree with what he is saying. Bottom line! If he had called the other side of the coin treasonous and called for them to be shot the same “freedom of speech” people would be calling for his job. People; al least make your argument look fair. Or as Fox News would say “Fair and Balanced”. And please tell me what is treasonous about voting for another candidate? Unbelievable….
We had the democratic congress say the same about Trump supporters. No problem there.
@HML Drunken Ghost;
Apparently that great education you got in NY didn’t teach you reading comprehension, because it wasn’t the police chief who posted this.
.
For those saying that our constitutional freedoms don’t mean freedom from consequences; then what do our rights and freedoms protect us from if not consequences? If you were told that you have the right under the 5th amendment to not testify against yourself but the consequences are that you would be fined and imprisoned or maybe lose your job, is that really a freedom? If you were told that you have the right to refuse consent of a warrantless search, but you would be arrested or lose your job if you did, what’s the point of having that right?
.
I’m not defending what the officer said, because it was wrong; but if we do not apply the constitution fairly and equally and without repercussions; then we may as well rip it up and start over.
To “Protect and Serve”…………..some of you.
Social Media will take you down. Keep your thoughts to yourself and family.
Gm morning everyone…..there’s no question about it his ass should be fired….I don’t care who he was talking about….that’s just like a terror attack…get his ass off office duty…and take his gun and other equipment and send him home…
May God Bless you with the best out come. Facebook is a dangerous place to state your opinion or views. In this day and time folks will turn them against you. I understand your feelings but you really should have known better than to put them out there on facebook because nothing is really private online
It ain’t what you say it how you say it and who you say it to. As a officer he has standards to stand up to and he can’t allow how he feels personally express on social media.
Come on folks read the comment he was responding. Basically calling everyone who voted for Biden a traitor and should be shot in the head for treason. Very bad judgement for a law enforcement officer.
Just for y’all “freedom of speech” folks on here it’s not about speech it’s about not doing the job you were hired to do to the best of your ability.
You wouldn’t hire an hvac repairman that thought only people with heat pumps deserved good service now would you? How about a shopping at a grocery store that only liked people with hair? How about a paramedic that only likes people with tattoos?
This is a man with a job that is completely and totally public relations. You can’t go on to public social media and trash talk people. You have to do it privately or not at all. That was a crass comment that shows his true character we don’t need officers like that serving our communities.
So if he gets a call to a Biden voters residence that has been the victim of a crime do you think he is going to do his job or say “screw it you voted for Biden”?
This is why he needs to be fired he just admitted on social media for all to see that he believes the lives of “ev1″ that voted for a particular presidential candidate are not equal and not deserving of the same protection he was hired to give to everyone irregardless of whom they voted for.
This is not a man I would want protecting me and my family no matter who I voted for.
Free speech is not free from consequences. I wonder how many times the police were called for people making threats on facebook to shoot or kill others? He knows better yet he is doing the exact same thing that many others are jailed for. I hope the FBI has a complete investigation into the entire department. You are free to like or disagree politically. You are not free to threaten to shoot others
REGARDING:
“He is a police officer calling for anyone guilty of treason to put to death, which is the legal punishment for treason.”
But he considered it treason to not support a man who has no problem with Russians paying a bounty for American soldiers killed by the people who hosted the terrorists who gave us 9/11/01.
It is good to know where he stands — that he considers the majority of Americans traitors. (And people were silly enough to doubt we need weapons to defend ourselves from would-be tyrants.)
David for better people
It’s strange any other time people on here say the police are no better than they are, but are quick to strip rights and insist on a higher standard when convenient.
If his comments had been directed towards Trump supporters he would be a hero and praised by liberals.
A sheriff can’t go on facebook talking about murdering people because they support the opposition. This isn’t about the 1st Amendment. Jesus Christ, you people are the worst.
FB is not your friend. I think his speech is a little a to honest. But he also should have known that the first amendment doesn’t apply to officers. They are only here to protect everyone else’s free speech. Just part of the job.
What everyone has missed, and he should have made it perfectly clear is that BOTH organizations mentioned have been declared “domestic terrorist” organizations, and as such, become no different than ISIS or other foreign terrorist groups. Our laws are very clear on how we deal with terrorists. If our governments (state and federal) would stop coddling them and treat them as the law allows, the problem would go away. And no, they’re not just exercising their First Amendment, they crossed that line a long time ago. It’s time they are dealt with to the full extent of the law. Period!
I sure hope the folks on crying about his comments holds their elected officials to same sworn standard, and if Biden wins let’s start with him and his family who sold Americans out to China.
People people people
We so soon forget the crap stated after Trump’s 2016. What Hollyhood person said for Trump’s head to be served on a silver platter.
Sounds to me like he took a lesson right out of a democrats playbook, except now it’s against them. There’s been far worse said by politicians in DC about the president and not a sound from the democrats.
Hold your head up high Mr. Waldon. You only said what many may be thinking. I think it’s a shame to get slammed on your opinion just because your opinion doesn’t fall in line with the mainstream liberal ideology. What a man says or does on his own time is his right. (Well least thought is was protected under constitutional rights) but in these times who knows. I respect the badge and I respect ANYONE’S opinion (doesn’t mean I agree) as I could only hope that respect would be reciprocated in the same manner. As the late great Merle asked, “Are the good times really over for good?”
This man is a disgrace to all law enforcement! He needs to be fired for his comments! He is supposed to serve and protect! He doesn’t get to State his opinion! I wouldn’t want someone like this protecting me!
Regardless of political stance this is an example of why I don’t use social media. I’m libel to say something supremely stupid to get myself fired even if it’s just sarcasm or hyperbole.
Had he not said they need to be lined up and shot he probably could have gotten away with it.
I do wonder how he’s in the 1% on that salary to worry about things like Biden’s tax plan though (that’s sarcasm for those that think I’m serious).
People get so worked up over politics without even understanding the policies. This goes for the cult of Trump as well as the straight party democrat voters (or any straight party voters for that matter in my opinion). They don’t even listen to candidates any longer. Debates are pointless because republicans are going to vote republican and democrats are going to vote democrat.
And as for the comments the “wonderful” mayor bounderant has made on other news outlets, of course he wants him fired immediately Scott is the only officer in flomaton who didn’t bow down and support him. It’s been how long since the election and he has done a single thing he promised to do and this is what you want to worry about. Flomaton is going down fast and I’m afraid it may not come back. I fear for the future of my kids
Someone who works for ALL of the citizens of Flomaton shouldn’t say people need to be shot for voting for a candidate he personally doesn’t support. This shows he isn’t fit for the job. He’s a disgrace to all the good cops out there.
The power to take away the life and liberty of another is a special level of trust that requires setting aside your personal opinions and feelings. According to the Asst. Atty. Gen. of the United States, social media policies for law enforcement officers include: Department personnel are free to express themselves as private citizens on social media sites to the degree that their speech does not impair
working relationships of this department for
which loyalty and confidentiality are impor-
tant, impede the performance of duties, impair
discipline and harmony among coworkers, or
negatively affect the public perception of the
department.
2. As public employees, department personnel
are cautioned that speech on- or off-duty, made pursuant to their official duties—that is, that owes its existence to the employee’s professional duties and responsibilities—is not pro-
tected speech under the First Amendment and
may form the basis for discipline if deemed
detrimental to the department. Department
personnel should assume that their speech and
related activity on social media sites will reflect
upon their office and this department.
Give me a break! Is this the biggest thing Flomaton has to worry about? Had he made a threat against conservatives no one would have batted an eye….the hypocrisy in this country is overwhelming.
Dems and liberals are all for the first amendment until it doesn’t fit their narrative then they want to censor and suppress it. In this country treason is punishable by death so yes line them up and death by firing squad
I can’t believe that so many on here view exercising your right to vote as treason.
Freedom of speech right his dose have his honest opinion.
As a general rule I find it is a good thing if the local police chief does not encourage lining up people and putting a bullet in their head w/o first being charged with a crime and having a trial. Of course if is much faster if you just conclude treason=bullet skull.
I can’t understand why people of color feel afraid when police chiefs talk like this. Then again I’m from NY and actually received an education.
And these are those entrusted to protect and serve? Sad thing is that some would defend this level of hate speech. I will definently be following the consequences (or lack there of) behind this. In fact I’m forwarding this link to main stream media. #FreespeechisNOTHATESPEECH
Wow! “You said the quiet part out loud! Don’t say the quiet part out loud!” That’s your solution? Really? I hope he gets fired and charged and convicted for inciting violence.
It’s amazing how fast they can act on this issue in Flomaton, but it been over 3 years on a murder case with all the evidence they need and won’t do anything about it.
This officer needs to be fired and remove from the force.
He didn’t say anything that wasn’t true. Also he never said that he “himself” was going to shoot or harm anyone. His only fault was displaying his freedom of speech on a public platform. He should’ve known that they’re different rules for Conservatives, they don’t get to use their First Amendment. Only snowflake Liberals get to do that.
Looks to me like he was talking about the media. Also he said “THEY should line up everyone of them…” meaning the powers that be should do something about treason. Probably not very professional of him, but I dont think he should lose his job over it. Im sure it wont happen again.
He put himself and the department is a bad situation. If he’s ever involved in a shooting the lawyers will use this against him.
Tsk! “ev1″. That alone oughta B enough 4 a firing.
Anyone who knows Scott, knows he’s a good dude. And would do anything for anyone he speaks his mind and tells you like it’s. Maybe the chief will grow a back bone and defend his officer. But he’ll probably crumble to everything and fire him. It’s a shame.
Yes, he has the right to speak freely, however he does not have the right to his job as a police officer serving the public. The department has a right to judge his character, fitness stability and to decide whether he should continue in his trusted position as protector of the people. If I was in charge, the answer would be no. Mr. Walden showed poor judgement and poor character by posting threats and intimidation to what amounts to over half the population of the country. Shame.
As his personal lawyer, I would defend his right to speak his mind and preserve his 1st amendment freedoms. As his employers lawyer, I would encourage that they fire him.
Freedom of speech does not mean freedom from consequences.
He’s telling it like it is
I sure hope he doesn’t lose his job over the thought that someone committing treason should be shot! Don’t let the haters pressure you into firing him stand your ground chief……. your town the majority will support your actions enough is enough
Freedom of speech does not exist for our great men and Woman in uniform. Military, law enforcement,firefighters emts. We are just cannon fod expendable and replaceable. Yet every day you put your uniform you are willing to sacrifice your life for others. I hope he got his twenty years and can collect his pension. He and all men and woman in uniform deserve it by putting their life’s on the line and for seing on a daily basis the worst of humanity. God bless you guys
THANK YOU Some one that actually paid attention in government class!!
These arm-chair constitutional experts who don’t know what the Amendments actually say, drive me INSANE!
Read a book y’all….or at the very least the freaking constitutional amendments. SHEESH
Lesson 1: Your “Friends” are not your friends. Keep your FB private.
bad mistake. i remember in the military we were told that, “You don’t have an opinion, if we want you to have one we will give it to you.” public service is a different can of worms.
@someone who actually….. Trump voter in total agreement. Freedom of speech does NOT protect you from the consequences of what you say.
HE SHOULD GET A MEDAL AND NOW THAT I KNOW HOW HE FEEL’S ABOUT BIDEN I DO LOOK UP TO HIM / IF HE WAN’T ON DEPARTMENT TIME OR COMPUTER THEN IT’S FREEDOM OF SPEECH
Unexceptionable fire him.
Remember, freedom of speech does not mean freedom of consequence! There’s things like this posted all the time, especially with anyone doing the same thing. Shouldn’t be a surprise.
No one is trying to take anyone’s freedom of speech, but understand when you take on prominent roles that you have sworn to uphold, your best is expected in every aspect. Threatening to shoot someone because you disagree with a party is ridiculous. Their will be plenty of people your gonna meet that you don’t agree with you can’t shoot them all if that’s your mindset someone raised you horribly. If this is how he expresses his anger with a gun shooting people he needs to be fired and seek professional help, but like most people he’s gonna get off with a slap on the wrist and pat on the back. Yeah it his personal Facebook page but it obviously didn’t set well with many people and he’s on leave. I myself hope he’s fired.
Look look look I’m sure we all have made mistakes however I do feel he has a right to freedom of speech. I do hope they reconsider put the man back on the job just tell him to not post it on Facebook
I’m sure there are many out there who feels his pain let’s be real here ? What has happen to America the land of the free. I can clearly see hard times are about to fall upon this land yes every doorstep. However it can be stopped . our grand parents would not approve of what’s going on today.
Once again there goes our freedom of speech and I don’t think its right if there going to put him on administrative leave for a post on Facebook they need to check the other officers Facebook because I guarantee u you would find the same thing or maybe worse
Ok people, an officer of the law makes the statement that American citizens should be shot for treason because of their political affiliation and you immediately REACH (because it is a definite stretch) that HIS freedom of speech has been violated????!!!! What about the rights of the people that he insinuated should die? He made a public post (if you notice the little “earth” at the top of his page) meaning that ANYONE could see this, not just people who may share this insane thought (BECAUSE ITS INSANITY). Am I mistaken or when you take on the job of public servant it is with the intent of doing that job without prejudice or bias? His comment displayed both. And before anyone comes for me, I never said RACE. Check Websters dears. I said prejudice and bias.
cut him some slack. there have been far worse post and more credible threats from the left without repercussions. dont even get me started on leaked zoom conversations of sunrise movement and blm literally engaging in treason and conspiracy and nothing is even done about it. the targeting of this officer feels a political attack from somebody leftist in charge.
Freed of speech, guess that will be taken away too
He should be fired. We are supposed to look up to LEOs. Is this the message we should send that we should put bullets in people’s heads? No. He took an oath to serve and PROTECT. And no, Facebook is not personal. It is public and he is a public officer. Come on…
If he had said he wanted to shoot Republicans they would have called him a “good ole boy” expressing his opinion. Double standards.
He doesn’t want to live in a socialist country. He has a right to free speech.
Mean while BLM protesters march and chant ‘Every city, every town, burn the precincts to the ground!’ They have destroyed entire neighborhoods beaten and killed people, destroyed homes, businesses, public property and they called peaceful, all the while having the full support of the democratic party. But you let one person, just mention retaliation, and they are considered a right wing extremists with terrorist ties to white supremist groups that are xenophobic, homophobic, and every other phobic they can think of.
Now, if he had said “I am going to blow their heads off!” then there would be a reason to place him on admin leave! He DOES have a right to freedom of speech! Agreed! But, he did nothing personally to anyone. No harm done. He has a right to express hif feelings.
First Amendment: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
________
No where in that statement does it free you from consequences of making idiotic comments. His right to free speech is not being challenged. People need to educate themselves so they stop looking so ignorant. If you are a public official that states people should be shot for voting, then you should be investigated. And you should not be in any position that would put a gun in your hand.
Not surprising coming from Flomaton. Just because people have different views than yourself? and people really wonder what’s wrong with the world.. then you have the rest of you saying “iTs hIs FrEe SpEeCh“.. give me a break.
Agree! It’s his personal facebook page, and he had freedom of speech. He is a police officer calling for anyone guilty of treason to put to death, which is the legal punishment for treason.
There goes freedom of speech right out the window. This is exactly why I never had a Facebook page