GOP Staffer Rehired After Being Fired Over ‘OK’ Gesture
A GOP staffer was rehired after being fired for flashing the ‘OK’ hand gesture in a group photo, with the party chair apologizing for the decision.
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A GOP staffer was reinstated Monday after being fired from the Indiana Republican Party on Tuesday for flashing the ‘OK’ hand gesture during a group photo. The state’s party Chairwoman, Lana Keesling, announced the rehiring of Paul Tinkle and offered a public apology after an X post shared by Tinkle in which he said he was fired without a chance to explain himself.
Chairwoman Apologizes for Misunderstanding
“After learning more about the situation, it became clear that I did not have the full picture,” Keesling said. “I made the wrong decision regarding Paul’s employment, and I take full responsibility for it. I want to personally apologize to Paul for jumping to a conclusion that was not supported by the facts.”
I appreciate the party giving me my position back. I will be releasing a full statement later. So many people have assisted me throughout within the party. I wish I could thank all personally. I’m overwhelmed by the support of the past few days. Let’s get Max Engling elected!
In 2017, online sleuths claimed the ‘OK’ hand gesture was a secret code for ‘white power,’ and that those using it in photos were secret white supremacists who were hinting at their racial beliefs. Tinkle said he only made the sign to convey ‘positive vibes’ in the photo, and he did so because he did not know what to do with his hands.
He was fired before a defense could be made, Tinkle said.
“I pride myself as a person of character, and wish I could’ve defended myself in person,” Tinkle added.
1/ I wanted to give a career update for my friends and any potential conservative groups looking for an employee. This Tuesday, September 29th, I was fired by the Indiana Republican Party for making an OK symbol with my fingers. Yes, seriously. (1/8) https://t.co/GQnYYZKxAq
Keesling continued her statement, saying that Tinkle’s help will be needed for the upcoming election.
“With Election Day approaching, I am grateful for the people who give their time and energy to our party, and I look forward to having Paul back as part of that effort,” the Chairwoman said. “Together, we will continue working hard through November 3.”
Tinkle responded on X, saying he appreciated the party rehiring him before adding that he would release a full statement later.
“So many people have assisted me throughout within the party. I wish I could thank all personally,” Tinkle continued. “I’m overwhelmed by the support of the past few days.”
“Let’s get Max Engling elected!” Tinkle concluded, speaking of the party’s candidate for Indiana’s Secretary of State.
Source: Daily Caller
