State corrections employees in West Virginia have been suspended while officials investigate a photo that appears to show trainees giving a Nazi salute.
The image shows about 30 employees, in uniform, with their hands raised in front of them and the words “HAIL BYRD” above. Based on the date of the photo, the group, Basic Training Class 18, appeared to be graduating, according to NBC News.
West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice said that any state employee in the photo would be fired.
“This will not be tolerated on my watch — within the Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation — or within any agency of state government,” he said.
Multiple employees have been suspended as a result of the investigation, which is still ongoing.
In a memo to employees, Jeff Sandy with the Department of Military Affairs and Public Safety strongly condemned the photo and those involved. He also said additional training programs will be implemented.
“It is distasteful, hurtful, disturbing, highly insensitive and completely inappropriate,” Sandy said. “It undermines the high standards that have been set for our Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation.”
UPDATE: Three people have been fired in connection to the photograph, according to the Associated Press. Two of the former employees were training instructors and the third was a cadet. Additionally, 34 others have been suspended without pay.
