FedEx issued a statement declaring its support for an employee who was caught on camera Thursday wrestling away American flags that were being burned by protesters.
“FedEx has reviewed the facts of the incident and interviewed our courier to better understand what took place,” the delivery service giant said in a statement. “As with all personnel issues, we are handling the matter internally.”
Matt Uhrin, a FedEx driver, was seen charging a group of men who burning American flags on the Iowa City pedestrian mall. Uhrin snatched away one flag and attempted to extinguish another.
“You don’t like it, get the fuck out!” Uhrin says to one of the protesters.
[WARNING GRAPHIC LANGUAGE]:
Happening now: a confrontation on the ped mall as people burn an American flag as protest. pic.twitter.com/aPkMdls6oQ
— Stephen Gruber-Miller (@sgrubermiller) January 26, 2017
The FedEx official twitter account posted a message Saturday stating that the company has “no plans” to change Uhrin’s employment status.
We have reviewed the matter in Iowa City involving driver Matt Uhrin. He remains a FedEx employee & we have no plans to change his status.
— FedEx (@FedEx) January 28, 2017
Even before FedEx decided to stand behind Uhrin, his actions were being praised on social media.
I will only use Federal Express now. THANK YOU, FED EX MAN! https://t.co/ZYTWJ8szdk
— Ann Coulter (@AnnCoulter) January 27, 2017
As a wife of a veteran &💜recipient, I thank u #MattUhrin for standing up for our flag! You're a hero & this brought tears to my eyes #FedEx https://t.co/Y4wasTw1yS
— Alicia Bailey (@ABailey72904) January 27, 2017
https://twitter.com/Brady5008/status/825050864293445632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
@FedEx You have an AMAZING 👍employee in Iowa City that saved our flag from being burned. Give him a raise!! 👏👏👏🇺🇸 #PATRIOT #MAGA #POTUS
— Tringe 🐾🐎 (@tringe) January 27, 2017
There was even a petition launched urging that Uhrin not be fired for protecting Old Glory from flag-burning protesters.
“Let’s make sure Matt Uhrin keeps his job at FedEx,” reads the petition, which has garnered more than 10,000 signatures. “He was standing up for our American flag and should be commended, not punished!”
Two of the protesters were arrested Thursday for violating Iowa City’s public open burn ordinance. It’s not illegal in Iowa, or any other state, to burn the American flag.
Follow Jerome Hudson on Twitter: @jeromeehudson
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