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US Flag/ File photo
Paris, Texarkana officials faced repercussions for social media views
Two city officials in Northeast Texas have been fired or resigned due to social media comments on national protests over the past 24 hours, according to reports.
On June 2, Paris city council member Benny Plata handed in his resignation during a noon virtual meeting with the city council, as reported by the Paris News.
Paris Mayor Steve Clifford called for the emergency meeting to discuss Plata’s removal after Plata commented on social media, “why don’t you leave America if it’s so bad,” according to screen shots.
“I really care about the city I serve, and I was responding to one person berating America,” Plata told the council about his decision to resign, the Paris News reported.
Meanwhile, in Texarkana, City of Texarkana Fire Department driver Clay Phillips has was placed on administrative leave for making "racially charged" statements on his social media, according to reporting by the Cass County Citizens Journal-Sun.
According to screen shots, Phillips appeared to criticize nationwide protests, stating “Cut off their government assistance and see how long they keep this nonsense up. These punk ass thugs have no stake in America. They don't contribute anything to society so what does it matter if the (sic) burn our country to the ground? All they have ever know (sic) is take take take. Who's entitled???? Damn sure isn't the people that get up and work everyday and never get any assistance from the government. Arrest the looters and arsonist (sic) !!!! If you are out in the streets after curfew arrest all of them with whatever force is necessary and tag them never to get government assistance again!"
Phillips has been placed on paid administrative leave, the Citizens Journal-Sun reported.
Lacy Gross of the Cass County Citizens Journal-Sun contributed to this report.