Arkansas Police Chief resigns after appearing to call for violence during election

Arkansas police chief resigned after posting messages on a right-wing social media site that appeared to urge people to attack ‘Marxist’ Democrats in the presidential election, the mayor said .

Kevin Elliot, the mayor of Marshall, a town of about 1,200 people about 100 miles north of Little Rock, said in a statement on Saturday that he “condemned” the words of Police Chief Lang Holland.

“The Marshall community does not in any way support or condone bullying or threats of violence against anyone of any political opinion,” he said. “We are a welcoming community that humbly works to build a bright future for ALL of our citizens.”

Elliot said that after consulting with lawyers about Holland’s posts, posted on the Talk site, he met Holland, who immediately resigned.

The posts were no longer visible on Sunday, but Little Rock’s NBC affiliate KARK posted screenshots of some of them.

“When this is all over and Trump is president for 4 more years,” one said, “don’t forget what those Marxist bastards tried to do. When you see one in public go face them, don’t give them any peace. Push them off the sidewalks. Never let them forget that they are traitors and have no right to live in this Republic after what they have done. “

The post and others were first published by The Ozarks Coalition, which tracks hate groups in Arkansas. A member of the group, Quinn Foster, said a tipster reported the posts early on Saturday. The group had planned to hold a protest at city hall on Sunday, but called it off after Hollande resigned.

Other screenshots posted by the group appeared to show Holland calling on the FBI and CIA “Marxist” organizations working to overthrow the United States.

“Hang up all those Marxist Democrats now,” the message read.

Efforts to reach Holland failed on Sunday. A message sent to a phone number listed under his name was not immediately answered.