The Georgia sheriff, whose agency is investigating the alleged sniper who allegedly killed eight people in massage parlors in the Atlanta area, said the comments made by a spokesman were not intended to disrespect the victims.
Cherokee County Sheriff Frank Reynolds made the comments on Thursday amid criticism and furor over comments made by Captain Jay Baker that some considered racist. On Wednesday, while talking to reporters about the suspect Robert Long, accused of shooting three massage parlors on Tuesday night, he said the 21-year-old had a “bad day”.
The comment was in reference to Long’s alleged confession to the authorities that he has problems with sex addiction and wanted to eliminate any “temptation”. However, some saw the comment as sympathetic to a white suspect, while excusing his actions.
ATLANTA MAYOR SPEAKS AFTER MASS SHOTS, CALLS “A CRIME AGAINST US ALL”
An official told the Washington Post that Baker had been removed from the position of spokesman for the shooting in the massage parlor.
In a statement, Reynolds said his office regrets “any headaches” that Baker’s words may have caused.
“The comments made by Cherokee County sheriff captain Jay Baker have become the subject of much debate and anger,” said Reynolds. “As much as his words were taken or interpreted as insensitive or inappropriate, they did not intend to disrespect any of the victims, the seriousness of this tragedy, or to express empathy or sympathy for the suspect.
“There are simply no words to describe the degree of human suffering experienced on Tuesday, March 16, 2021, in our community and in Atlanta,” he added.
Captain Jay Baker, from the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, talks about Robert Aaron Long’s arrest during a press conference at the Atlanta Police Department headquarters on Wednesday. His comments on the actions of suspected sniper Robert Long have attracted attention. (Alyssa Pointer / Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPLICATION
Reynolds said he has known Baker for many years and cited his “personal ties to the Asian community”. Most of the victims were of Asian descent.
Baker was even more criticized after social media posts went viral, showing that he was promoting a shirt with derogatory language about China and the coronavirus pandemic.