CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Charleston Mayor Danny Jones said he showed members of Charleston City Council videos made by suspended police officer Lt. Shawn Williams Monday night so they could see for themselves that according to Jones the videos are more than just racially insensitive.
“What we just saw in there is a lot worse than just racially insensitive,” Jones said. “I think council was pretty well unified on what I’m trying to do.”
Williams was suspended in September after police found the videos on his personal computer. They involve his daughter, music linked to the KKK and other racially sensitive material. Charleston Police Chief Brent Webster has reportedly recommended Williams be fired. Williams has an opportunity to fight the decision at a January hearing before a police board.
Councilwoman Shannon Snodgrass opted not to see the videos Monday night.
“To continue to exploit this little girl I think is egregious,” Snodgrass said. “And I think as a city official I don’t want to be a party to that.”
Snodgrass has supported Lt. Williams’ police work. She said she does not support the videos.
Councilman John Miller says the n-word was used “quite a bit” in the videos.
“To teach a girl like that I think is wrong,” Miller said.
Charleston Council has no say in Williams’ employment status, but Mayor Jones said it was important for all of those who wanted to see the videos to see them.
“These interpretations that are given to them that they (videos) are slightly racially insensitive—I can’t let that go,” Jones said.