Kneeling for the anthem: York County sheriff’s post on Facebook sparks uproar
A Facebook post by a South Carolina sheriff about kneeling during the national anthem has caused a social media uproar.
York County Sheriff Kevin Tolson posted his personal position Sunday night about kneeling during the national anthem -- on the sheriff’s office official Facebook page. Then after more than 2,200 people commented on the post, Tolson posted a second message explaining what he did and why.
Tolson, a Republican, was elected in 2016 and is running unopposed for re-election in November.
The first posting read:
“As your Sheriff of York County, here is my position on taking a knee during the National Anthem. Our flag was created out of unity - 50 stars for 50 states. It represents the melting pot of all of the many great men and women who have made this country mixed and beautiful. I will bow (or kneel) for one entity and one entity only - my God. For those of you who want to kneel or bow for the flag during the anthem, just know that you are kneeling or bowing for our God who STANDS for peace, unity and love for all - regardless of race, gender or nationality. We will STAND for all and KNEEL for the only one - God. Kevin..”
York County borders Charlotte in North Carolina, which is home to the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers are moving their headquarters to Rock Hill in York County as earl as 2023 when the new headquarters and practice fields will be built.
The posting late Sunday night, hours after the Panthers lost at home in their first NFL game of 2020, immediately went viral. Some commenters approved of the posting, while others were against it. The post was shared almost 1,000 times.
By Monday afternoon, after several requests for comment about the initial post, Tolson issued a second posting on the sheriff’s Facebook site.
The second posting said:
“After being asked multiple times about his feelings on the matter of kneeling during the national anthem, Sheriff Tolson decided to publish a statement about his views using social media because he believes that his constituents have a right to know his beliefs about this social issue.
“Sheriff Tolson understands that not everyone agrees with his opinions about this issue. The ability to listen to and respect a different opinion is one of the founding principles of our country and Sheriff Tolson hopes speaking freely will help to continue beneficial conversation and ultimately bring peace and unity to our society.
“As the elected Sheriff of York County, Sheriff Tolson is not bound by the policies of York County Government regarding the use of social media. Any statements he makes are his own.”
The second posting had more than 700 comments as of Monday afternoon.
Trent Faris, spokesman for the sheriff’s office, said late Monday the sheriff’s office had no further comment.
This story was originally published September 14, 2020 at 6:03 PM with the headline "Kneeling for the anthem: York County sheriff’s post on Facebook sparks uproar."
