‘An inch away’: Tarboro police officer under investigation for attempted Trump assassination post to Facebook

TARBORO, N.C. (WNCN) — “Damn. Only about an inch away from making America great again…”

Those 11 words have put a 24-year veteran member of the Tarboro Police Department on administrative leave pending an internal investigation. A screenshot of the post shared with CBS 17 shows the post made by Detective Sergeant Brandon Richardson.

Tarboro Chief of Police Rick Mann confirmed on Monday that Richardson is now under investigation.

On Monday, Chief Mann took to Facebook to address the post which has gained a wide range of reactions.

“We take this matter very seriously, as it does not reflect the values and standards of our department,” Chief Mann said in the post . “We understand that such incidents can affect public trust, and we are dedicated to handling this matter with the seriousness and accountability it deserves.”

Chief Mann said the department took “immediate steps to address the situation.” He said that included placing Richardson on administrative leave and launching an internal investigation to “determine the context and details surrounding the post.”

To continue to maintain their high standards of professionalism and integrity, the chief said the department will also be reviewing its social media policies to ensure they align with best practices and “clearly communicate our expectations.”

On his own Facebook page, Richardson issued an apology .

In part, the post said, “My attempt at dark humor was completely out of line and in poor taste. I realize now that my words were not only inappropriate but also deeply offensive to many of you. For that, I am truly sorry.”

Richardson said he takes full responsibility. He asked those reading the post to, “keep Mr. Trump and his family in our thoughts as he heals from this physical and mental wound.”

Richardson joined the Tarboro Police Department as a patrol officer in 2000 before being promoted to detective in the department’s investigation division in May 2014.

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