NEW ORLEANS (WVUE/RNN) - A Coast Guard member who appeared to flash a white power hand symbol on live TV has been removed from a Tropical Storm Florence response team after a video shared to Twitter sparked wide-spread outrage, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.
The man, who has not been identified, could be seen in the background as Sector Charleston Commanding Officer Capt. John Reed was being interviewed by MSNBC Friday (Sept. 14), according to Fox News. He looked around, scratched his head and quickly made the “OK" symbol with his hand.
Well, that was about as subtle as a train wreck, on a boat.
— Michael ?? (@michaelschweitz) September 14, 2018
As of Saturday night, a video of the moment has been shared on social media over 2,000 times, with many posters calling for the man to be fired. The Coast Guard is investigating the matter, Fox News reported, and the agency called the incident a “frustrating distraction” amid the devastating storm.
We are aware of the offensive video on twitter - the Coast Guard has identified the member and removed him from the response. His actions do not reflect those of the United States Coast Guard.
— U.S. Coast Guard (@USCG) September 15, 2018
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