Over the weekend, a GOP lawmaker from West Virginia tweeted an inflammatory remark to Hillary Clinton. Michael Folk called for the Democratic presidential nominee to be “tried for treason” and “hung” on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., in a now deleted tweet. After receiving plenty of backlash from his peers, Folk later backtracked on his statement, telling CNN he thinks Clinton should be “prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” but the hanging comment was “hyperbole.”
Outraged Twitter users reached out to Folk’s other employer, United Airlines, who have now launched an investigation following the airline pilot’s threatening comments. Folk, a member of the West Virginia House of Delegates, has been working for United since 2008, according to Bloomberg.
We are definitely aware, and are investigating this. Thanks for letting us know, Brian. ^NJ
— United Airlines (@united) July 16, 2016
On Saturday, United tweeted that they are “appalled by comments advocating harm to anyone” and Folk’s statements “do not represent” the company. They have decided to suspend Folk from flying pending their investigation, tweeting: “We are appalled by his threatening comments.”
This pilot has been removed from flying pending our investigation. We are appalled by his threatening comments. https://t.co/H1teA2nqsj
— United Airlines (@united) July 17, 2016
Members of the West Virginia Democratic Party want Folk to resign. Party chair, Belinda Biafore released a statement on Saturday and called Folk’s tweet upsetting: “Not only are Delegate Folk’s words concerning, they are disturbing. Folk’s actions should deem him as unfit to serve,” Biafore said.
Folk has since made his Twitter account private.
(Via CNN/United Airlines/Bloomberg)