A North Carolina detention officer is out of a job after expressing his affiliation with Antifa on social media. Brian Edwards, previously employed by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, made several inflammatory posts that led to his termination.
In his Bluesky account, Edwards boldly stated, “I am Antifa,” and demonstrated disdain for perceived authoritarianism. He suggested there would be “war crimes trials” and expressed a desire to see individuals imprisoned, hinting ominously at the possibility of “bringing back the guillotine.” The news broke through an article by Fox News and prompted a significant reaction from the community.
Orange County Sheriff Charles Blackwood moved quickly to address the situation. “Chief Deputy T. Sykes placed Edwards on administrative leave Saturday, September 20, 2025, when the Sheriff’s Office learned of concerning social media posts allegedly made by Edwards and opened an investigation,” Blackwood said in a Facebook post. The investigation concluded that Edwards had indeed violated the Sheriff’s Office Standards of Conduct.
Blackwood emphasized the importance of maintaining public trust. “We must maintain the public trust as we go about our mission to protect, serve, and treat everyone with dignity and respect,” he stated. Following these findings, Edwards was officially terminated from his position.
Despite the circumstances leading to his dismissal, Edwards defended his actions, indicating dissatisfaction with how the Sheriff’s Office managed his case. “I respect the sheriff’s office, but I disagree with how my situation was handled. I’m focused on moving forward and won’t be commenting further at this time,” he told WRAL-TV. His statements suggest a belief that expressing his political views should not have resulted in losing his job.
Edwards joined the Sheriff’s Office in 2022, and his educational background includes a degree in political science from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, where he served as president of the College Democrats. His prior role raises questions about the intersection of personal beliefs and professional responsibilities, particularly in law enforcement.
The Sheriff’s Office outlined clear policies regarding appropriate speech and expression for its members. The code of conduct explicitly prohibits expressions that could damage the agency’s mission or reputation. It states that speech that appears to show disregard for the law or support for criminal activity is unacceptable. Edwards’ posts directly challenge these guidelines.
This incident serves as a reminder of the scrutiny faced by public servants, especially those whose personal beliefs may conflict with their professional duties. The situation opens a broader discussion about free speech, accountability, and the responsibilities of law enforcement officers. As public trust is paramount for effective policing, actions perceived as partisan or extremist can jeopardize community confidence in law enforcement institutions.
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