Employees of Jaguar Motor Sports say that a city inspector insulted a veteran when she came into the business on Monday to issue a warning citation for military flags displayed on the roof.
In addition to two American flags, the Jacksonville, Florida-based business displayed a Jacksonville Jaguars flag and flags for each branch of the military.
Employees told local News4Jax that a customer was visibly disturbed when the inspector, later identified as Melinda Power, gave the citation. The customer, who told the outlet that he would prefer to remain anonymous, was a wounded veteran.
Employee Katie Klasse described the confrontation between Power and the veteran. “She says, What did you do for this country? He says, I took three bullets to the leg. I almost lost my life for this country. Im retired. Im a veteran. She gets in his face this close and says, You did nothing for this country.'”
Surveillance video from the store showed Power getting in his face.
Once she left the store, the store posted a video via Facebook Live describing what had just happened.
Store managers said that, citation or no citation, the flags were staying. And Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry backed them up as soon as he learned of the situation. He delivered his support via Twitter on Monday evening.
1. I Have directed city staff that military flags should be treated same as US flag. Let them fly. I Have reached out to the business owner & will review employee procedures. COJ employees r expected to be respectful of our customers – you, the people of Jacksonville.
— Lenny Curry (@lennycurry) April 16, 2018
2. We support our military and veterans, and we appreciate businesses who honor their service.
— Lenny Curry (@lennycurry) April 16, 2018
Amid calls for Power to be fired, the veteran who confronted her in the store has said that all he wants is an apology and her respect. “I think there should be some serious reprimand to her. She needs to apologize to the veteran community, and to every American who supports us.”
Power did deliver an apology via Facebook on Tuesday, but it was later deleted. She has been placed on leave by the city of while her actions are reviewed.
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