GRAHAM, N.C. — Editor's note: The above video is from a previous story about a confederate monument.
Graham Police Chief Jeffrey Prichard is apologizing after a controversial post was shared on the official Graham Police Department's Facebook page on Friday.
Prichard said he "inadvertently" shared a post regarding the Black Lives Matter movement and the COVID-19 pandemic to the department's page. Viewers have shared screenshots of the re-shared post with WFMY News 2 that appear to show the caption "Nailed it."
Prichard released the following statement:
"A Facebook post has been removed from the Graham Police Department’s Facebook page. The content of the post is not representative of our agency. I, as chief of police, received the content and inadvertently shared it to the Graham Police Department’s page. I realize the content of the post may be received by many as an attempt to diminish the ongoing efforts to combat social and racial injustices in the United States and for that I hope you will accept my sincerest apology. The GPD is committed to assisting our community in the efforts to achieve equality and justice. I believe in addressing issues head on, in the past and as it stands today, I am available to gather input from citizens about our operations and how I as Chief can let concerned voices be heard."
Several people are sharing concerns about the post, calling it tone-deaf and divisive to the issues of racial injustice and inequality.
"Why would any member of the department feel comfortable posting such an inaccurate, divisive post," Ticia said.
"This is truly concerning and upsetting," David said.
Others are calling for the chief's resignation.
"That post is unacceptable. Jeffrey Prichard is not fit to hold the office of Chief of Police and should step down," Doza said.
The original post that was shared to the Graham Police Department's Facebook page has been deleted.
The post said:
"I’m so confused right now. I see signs all over saying black lives matter. I’m just trying to figure out which black lives matter. It can’t be the unborn black babies. It’s not black cops. They don’t seem to matter. It’s not my black conservative friends. They are told to shut up if they know what’s best for them by their black counterparts. It’s not black business owners. Their property does not mean anything. It’s not blacks who fought in the military. Their statues are destroyed by the black lives matter protesters with disdain. So which black lives matter again?
Black Lives Matter. Of course they do! Then when multiple black police officers and individuals were killed during the “peaceful protests”. I don’t see any outrage? Black individually owned businesses burned to the ground. Silence. Deadliest weekend in Chicago. NOTHING!!
I can’t keep up. I just can’t. I’m exhausted trying to figure out what we’re all supposed to do, believe, and be offended and outraged by next.
Two months ago, First Responders were all the rage. In fact, they were heroes. We gave them free coffee, meals, and cheers as they drove by. Today, we hate them and want them defunded because they can’t be trusted.
Two months ago, truck drivers were the heroes, as well, for keeping America moving and the grocery stores stocked. Today we block the roads with protesters, drag them out of the cabs and beat them half to death.
Nurses and Doctors are still cool, for now. But they may be unemployed. They too are heroes, unless of course they truly believe all lives matter. Then they’re filled with hate and are part of problem like so many others.
Just 45 days ago protests weren’t “essential” and were considered criminal, selfish and a murderous activity. Today they are gloriously critical and celebrated. All of the obvious criminal and murderous activities are simply ignored. If you protest about lock downs for freedom, you are selfish and you will spread a virus. If you protest, loot, and riot for social justice, you are a warrior and the virus fades to the background.
Trust the experts. No, not those experts. Don’t wear masks ... wear masks, but only good ones. Wait, don’t wear masks, wear anything as a mask. Never mind on the masks. Not sure, but if you don’t, you hate people because you could be an asymptomatic spreader. Wait. That's not a thing anymore?
For 3 months, NOTHING was more important than social distance. In fact, we gave up all of our liberties for it. We canceled schools, medical and dental procedures, canceled activities, closed businesses, eliminated every spring rite of passage from prom to graduation, denied people funerals, even at Arlington, and we wrecked the economy for it. Then came social justice, and social distance was no more. Now things are more cut and dried though. A thousand people at three memorials for someone they never even met. It's a matter of "respect". But you can only assemble 100 or less people.
I’m really confused now. Look at the data, NO, not that data. Do the math. No, you can’t do the math like that. Only the experts can understand the data and math. What do you mean other cities/states/governors are interpreting the data differently? Pools are safe in Indiana, but not Michigan? Playgrounds are safe in your town but not mine? Amusement parks are safe in Florida but not Ohio, nor Michigan.
If you are silent you are part of the problem. If you speak, you are part of the problem. If you have to ask, you don’t understand. If you don’t ask, you don’t care.
It’s all so predictable, tedious, and exhausting. Nothing adds up. It’s one gigantic Math life problem, with ever changing denominators that I’m sure the media and politicians are eagerly ready to solve for us...until the next "crisis".
So, for now I pray. I pray God will heal our land and bless the United States of America! Bless us with Wisdom, Kindness, Gentleness, Mercy, Love, Peace, Healing. Things that Really Matter! We all Matter in God's Eyes!
You can Copy and Paste. I did."
Another Facebook user shared screenshots of the post with WFMY News 2 but wanted to remain anonymous.
"Graham Police Department deleted their post, but thankfully screenshots are a thing.
"To see them jumping on the narratives being used to discredit the movement happening across the U.S. really shines a light on how they truly feel.
"This also highlights what I’ve been saying that your First Amendment rights in this county are directly correlated with how inline with their views (sic).
"That’s why 8 protesters protesting racial injustices get turned away, but dozens can gather with flags to voice the support of keeping a Confederate statue," the Facebook user posted with screenshots of the Graham Police Department page.
Chief 'inadvertently' shares controversial post to Graham Police Department's Facebook page
This is a developing story. Stick with WFMY News 2 as we work to gather more information.