North Carolina detention officer fired after 'I am Antifa' post on Bluesky
Orange County Sheriff’s Office says social media post violated department policy; officer disputes handling, investigation says misconduct occurred
A North Carolina detention officer has been terminated after authorities said he posted an account stating “I am Antifa” on Bluesky and declared he would not comply with a fascist regime. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office said on Monday that Detention Officer Brian Edwards was fired following an internal review that concluded violations of the department’s Standards of Conduct and the Speech, Expression, and Social Networking sections of the policy manual. The post, which appeared on Bluesky on Friday under the account identified as Edwards, prompted Chief Deputy Tina Sykes to place him on administrative leave as the agency opened an investigation.
The sheriff’s office did not specify the exact discipline beyond Edwards’ termination, but stressed that the investigation found policy violations tied to conduct and social media use. The department’s release said the decision was made to preserve public trust as the agency continues its mission to protect the community with dignity and respect. Edwards told WRAL he disagreed with how the situation was handled and would not comment further, while reiterating that he respects the sheriff’s office.
Edwards began working for the Orange County Sheriff’s Office in 2022, according to a February 2024 post from the agency. The update described Edwards as having previously worked as a correctional officer in Caswell County and noted that detention-center responsibilities carry different legal and policy considerations than former roles in the state prison system. The sheriff’s office said that inmates in the detention center have more rights because most are charged and not yet convicted, adding that the position requires navigating a more complex legal and ethical framework.
In statements to local media, Edwards said he disagreed with how the situation was handled but did not provide further remarks. Sheriff Charles Blackwood emphasized the importance of maintaining public trust as the department carries out its duties, including protecting, serving, and treating all individuals with dignity and respect. The office also noted that it had reached out to Edwards and the sheriff’s office for comment on the matter, with Fox News Digital confirming it attempted to obtain responses from both sides.
The investigation’s findings and the termination decision come amid ongoing scrutiny of social media use among law enforcement personnel and its impact on public trust. The case illustrates how in-service personnel are increasingly subject to disciplinary action when online activity appears to conflict with departmental standards, even when the content is posted on personal accounts and shares personal opinions.