BECKLEY, W.Va. — The assistant director of Raleigh County Emergency Operations Services has been suspended, after he posted an image on social media depicting images of decapitated heads mounted on a wall, with a caption expressing support for a border wall between Mexico and the United States.
The image, which was posted Friday by Emergency Operating Center Assistant Director Mark Wilson on facebook, shows a white man in a formal-style suit common in the early 20th century standing in front of a wall covered with heads of people who appear to be darker-skinned and of non-European descent. The comment above the picture reads: “BE THANKFUL DONALD TRUMP IS BUILDING THE WALL! MINE WOULD LOOK MORE LIKE THIS!”
The post drew swift condemnation from the Raleigh County Commission, members of Beckley’s city government, and Raleigh County EOC Director John Zilinski, who issued a statement Saturday, saying Wilson had been relieved of his work duties pending an investigation. Zilinski also said an internal investigation of the matter had commenced, shortly after he learned of the post.
“Any posts made to any form of Social Media by any employee, relative of an employee, or friend of an employee that works at Raleigh County Emergency Services are not in any way or means the views of the agency. Raleigh County Emergency Services Authority has a mission to protect the life and property of the residents of our county and its visitors. We are an agency to promote peace and well-being for all people regardless of Race, Religion, Sex, Age, Handicap, Political or Religious beliefs or National Origin,” said Zilinski.
The post had been removed by Saturday afternoon.
Deputy Director of Fayette County 911 Services Jamie Bennett, who wrote a comment on Wilson’s facebook page approving of the post, along with a laughing emoji, was terminated from his employment. The Fayette County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office verified Saturday that Bennett no longer was employed by the county.