Staff fired after 30 US corrections officers photographed giving Nazi salute

Politicians and faith leaders condemn ‘ignorant, hateful display’ as state investigates

Three members of the West Virginia Department Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation have been fired after more than 30 members of staff were pictured with their right arms raised in a Nazi salute.

The photograph of a basic training class and staff — printed on official letterhead with seals for the department and the state — was taken following a five-week training course last month and was circulated in graduation packets for each cadet.

Jeff Sandy, cabinet secretary for the state’s Department of Military Affairs and Public Safety, announced the firings on Friday. The department blurred the faces of the people in the photo.

Two academy instructors and one student were fired, and 34 employees were sent letters announcing their suspension, according to Mr Sandy.

The employer of one student, a non-state employee, also was notified.

In a letter addressed to members of the West Virginia Department Division of Corrections and Rehabilitations on Wednesday, Mr Sandy called the photo “distasteful, hurtful, disturbing, highly insensitive and completely inappropriate.”

Mr Sandy wrote: “It betrays the professionalism I have seen time and time again displayed and practised by our brave correctional employees.”

West Virginia governor Jim Justice said he condemned the photo “in the strongest possible terms”.

He also called for Mr Sandy to investigate the photo and ordered the firings of anyone found to be involved.

The photo — taken from a training class held from 21 October to 27 November — does not contain any names.

Above the photo is the phrase “Hail Byrd!” apparently referencing a training instructor.

West Virginia politicians and faith leaders announced their outrage, condemning the “ignorant, hateful display in the strongest terms possible,” according to state representative Kayla Kessinger.

West Virginia senator Joe Manchin said the antisemitic behaviour “warrants an immediate investigation and anyone who participated in any hateful and disgusting action should not be able to work or be paid by the federal or state government and should be removed from their position immediately.”

Charleston rabbi Victor Urecki said the photo was “disturbing, shocking, and troubling”.

“Staring at the photo, I was speechless; my hands trembled when I first held it,” he said. “This awful incident reminds me that we have a lot of work to do in educating people about the dangers of hate.”