This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-37694347
The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Previous version
1
Next version
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Pennsylvania mayor resigns after racist Facebook posts | Pennsylvania mayor resigns after racist Facebook posts |
(about 2 hours later) | |
A town mayor in the US state of Pennsylvania has quit following uproar over his racist posts on Facebook. | A town mayor in the US state of Pennsylvania has quit following uproar over his racist posts on Facebook. |
The council in West York unanimously accepted Charles Wasko's resignation offer on Monday night, prompting applause from a crowd in the chambers. | The council in West York unanimously accepted Charles Wasko's resignation offer on Monday night, prompting applause from a crowd in the chambers. |
The Republican was censured by the council this month for his posts, some depicting apes and lynching. | The Republican was censured by the council this month for his posts, some depicting apes and lynching. |
Mr Wasko, who is white, said he was the target of a "witch hunt", but acknowledged making the posts. | Mr Wasko, who is white, said he was the target of a "witch hunt", but acknowledged making the posts. |
In June he uploaded a photo of orangutans in a wheelbarrow, captioned: "Aww... moving day at the Whitehouse has finally arrived." | In June he uploaded a photo of orangutans in a wheelbarrow, captioned: "Aww... moving day at the Whitehouse has finally arrived." |
"Not soon enough!" Mr Wasko commented on the image, which had the phrase "Kenya or bust" superimposed on the hand cart. | "Not soon enough!" Mr Wasko commented on the image, which had the phrase "Kenya or bust" superimposed on the hand cart. |
He said he was being targeted unfairly due to a fight with the police chief in the town of around 4,500 residents. | He said he was being targeted unfairly due to a fight with the police chief in the town of around 4,500 residents. |
But in an interview this month with Pennsylvania TV station WHTM, Mr Wasko said: "The racist stuff, yeah. I'll admit I did that, and I don't care what people label me as." | But in an interview this month with Pennsylvania TV station WHTM, Mr Wasko said: "The racist stuff, yeah. I'll admit I did that, and I don't care what people label me as." |
Much of his Facebook activity has also targeted Hillary Clinton, the Democratic presidential candidate, or expressed support for Republican candidate Donald Trump. | Much of his Facebook activity has also targeted Hillary Clinton, the Democratic presidential candidate, or expressed support for Republican candidate Donald Trump. |
Several of Mr Wasko's posts make sexist comments regarding the appearance of Democratic female politicians, and others mock proponents of gun control. | Several of Mr Wasko's posts make sexist comments regarding the appearance of Democratic female politicians, and others mock proponents of gun control. |
His resignation follows public forums in which community members, including young children, called on the mayor to step down. | His resignation follows public forums in which community members, including young children, called on the mayor to step down. |
Democrat Shawn Mauck will now move from the town council to the mayor's office. | Democrat Shawn Mauck will now move from the town council to the mayor's office. |
"Sadly West York lately has been known primarily for one thing, what residents call 'their racist mayor,'" Mr Mauck said at a council meeting as he accepted the mayor's resignation. | "Sadly West York lately has been known primarily for one thing, what residents call 'their racist mayor,'" Mr Mauck said at a council meeting as he accepted the mayor's resignation. |
The mayor had said he would only step down if certain conditions were met by the council members. | The mayor had said he would only step down if certain conditions were met by the council members. |
"The demands were kind of silly childish immature from a guy who's not displayed too much maturity the last couple days," said Mr Mauck. | "The demands were kind of silly childish immature from a guy who's not displayed too much maturity the last couple days," said Mr Mauck. |
He would not elaborate on the mayor's demands, but he did make clear they were not met. | He would not elaborate on the mayor's demands, but he did make clear they were not met. |
More on race in America: The white supremacist thankful for Trump |
Previous version
1
Next version