The violence that has been encouraged and viewed as justified by Donald Trump at his political rallies has finally had some repercussions. Earlier this month in Fayetteville, NC, a Black peaceful protester identified as Rakeem Jones was sucker punched by 78-year-old John Franklin McGraw as Jones was walking upstairs. Shockingly, after being assaulted the police pounced on Jones and proceeded to arrest him over the incident even though he was the victim. But the unrepentant attacker doubled down on his violent behavior by saying after the event he didn’t think “Jones acted like an American” and that “next time we might have to kill him.”
After video of the incident was widely shared on social media all charges against Jones were dropped and McGraw was arrested. The senior citizen was charged with assault and battery and disorderly conduct. In addition, McGraw faces charges of communicating threats for his comments after the incident. The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Department has now disciplined the deputies who were present at the altercation for their negligent behavior. Sheriff Earl “Moose” Butler has stated the deputies faced disciplinary action for “unsatisfactory performance and failing to discharge the duties and policies of the office of the sheriff. The actions of the deputies and their failures to act in situations such as that which occurred during the Trump rally at the Crown Coliseum have never been and will never be tolerated under the policies of this office.”
In total, five deputies received disciplinary actions that included a five day suspension without pay. Three of the deputies were also demoted one full rank for their actions that day. In addition, all five deputies have been placed on probationary status for 12 months.
When Rakeem Jones found out about the actions of the sheriff he stated, “I applaud the Sheriff’s department for their work in finding the deputies responsible” but the ordeal has left a mark on his life. He stated that he lives on guard and continues to receive threats not only against himself but those around him. Jones said, “I can’t do normal stuff anymore. What about the safety of my family?”
Donald Trump remains defiant in his rhetoric that espouses violence against peaceful protestors and other notable celebrities such as Stacey Dash and Omarosa have supported his actions and words.
