Texas man fired after writing that Dylann Roof 'needs to be praised'

A Texas firefighter has lost his volunteer position after reportedly writing on Facebook that alleged Charleston gunman Dylann Roof needs to be praised.



The Mabank Fire Department said Kurtis Cook, a firefighter, has been terminated. He has also been banned from any of their property permanently.

MFD released the statement below:


As of 1123 hrs, after an investigation in the allegations being made of Firefighter Kurtis Cook, the Mabank Fire Department Command Staff has terminated Kurtis Cook as a volunteer Firefighter permanently and has trespassed him from all Mabank Fire Department property. The Mabank Fire Department does not condone nor promote these type of actions or thoughts. On behalf of all members, the Mabank Fire Department offers our deeply apologies to all that were offended by his actions and comments.

Community members shared a photo from a social media comment thread where Cook appears to have made a racist comment in reference to the South Carolina church shooting.

The picture shows his profile stating: "He needs to be praised for the good deed he has done."

The investigation into Cook's actions were announced Friday morning. He was released not too long after the announcement.