This is no April fool.
Online comments about racism, white supremacy, anti-Semitism, and more, are connected to a Springfield police officer. A statement from chief Ken Scarlette does not mention the officer, but a city spokeswoman confirms it’s Aaron Nichols, said to be an eighteen-year Springfield police veteran and a twenty-year National Guardsman.
A Twitter account called “Anonymous Comrade Stan Account” says Nichols posts racist, neo-Nazi material under the name “Magic Dirt Farmer.”
Scarlette’s statement says the views expressed do not represent the force nor anything the department stands for.
Nichols is on unpaid administrative leave, and has been stripped of his police powers.
Scarlette’s statement:
“The Springfield Police Department was made aware of comments reportedly posted to social media by an officer using a personal profile. Upon receiving this information, the Department immediately launched an internal investigation. The officer has been placed on unpaid administrative leave and his police powers have been removed. These are serious allegations and will be investigated thoroughly in accordance with the Springfield Police Department procedures and the officer’s collective bargaining agreement. The Springfield Police Department does not condone the use of racist comments by any of our officers, at any time. Statements like this erode civilian trust and confidence in our department and are not tolerated. The views allegedly expressed by the officer do not align with our oath, or the mission and philosophy of the Springfield Police Department and in no way reflect the views of the over 200 officers within our department.”
More information is here (content warning)
