Matt Uhrin, the hero FedEx driver who stopped a group of protesters from lighting American flags on fire, will keep his job, says his employer.
FedEx issued a brief statement about Uhrin, who intervened twice during a flag-burning group of anti-Trump protesters, saying, “We have reviewed the matter in Iowa City involving driver Matt Uhrin. He remains a FedEx employee & we have no plans to change his status.”
|
Advertisement |
Uhrin can be seen on video scuffling with protesters and wrestling the flag from them as he uses a fire extinguisher to put out the flames. Two protesters, Kelli Ebensberger, 21, of Iowa City, and Paul Osgerby, 23, of Ames, were arrested during the incident on Thursday for open burning – a misdemeanor in Iowa. Uhrin can be heard telling protesters to ‘back off’ as they try to retrieve the flags. FedEx originally said that they would be investigating the incident and Uhrin’s actions did not reflect the company. h/t dailymail
Twitter was quick to respond to the video, which went viral overnight and prompted the hashtag #fedexguy, hailing him as a hero for American nationalism.
One tweet said: ‘You’ve got a hero working out here in Iowa City, @FedEx. Can you thank him for us? Love, Iowa City #MERICA #FedExGuy #GodBlessTheUSA’
FedEx announced Saturday morning that Uhrin would be remain employed with the company, following a petition signed by thousands to urge the delivery service to let him keep his job.
Happening now: a confrontation on the ped mall as people burn an American flag as protest. pic.twitter.com/aPkMdls6oQ
— Stephen GruberMiller (@sgrubermiller) January 26, 2017