Two Men Could Lose Jobs After Reenacting George Floyd's Death In Front of Black Lives Matter Protesters

Updated June 10 2020, 1:35 p.m. ET

Two men have been suspended from their jobs after a video of them appearing to reenact and mock the death of George Floyd was shared online on Monday. 

During a Black Lives Matter demonstration in Franklinville, New Jersey, protesters recorded two men, later identified as James and Joe Demarco, attempting to antagonize them. One man laid down on the floor while the other kneeled on his neck, in a similar position seen in the video of George Floyd's death.

The two men were in front of a truck with signs that read "All Lives Matter" and "Trump."

"Just would like to speak about how disgusting, racist and evil people can genuinely be," a Twitter user wrote while sharing the video. "Couple of Franklinville trump supporters mocking the tragedy of George Floyd. Twitter, do your thing, please. This is unacceptable and disturbing."

Social media users were quick to identify the men, with one writing: "James Demarco of Franklinville apparently thinks the death of George Floyd was funny enough to mock how he was killed, under a knee."

The user went on to tag FedEx, where Demarco worked, asking: "I wonder how funny his employer @FedEx thinks it is?"

FedEx was quick to respond, explaining in a series of tweets that James Demarco had been suspended pending an investigation.

"The behavior depicted in the video, which involved a FedEx employee, is appalling and offensive," the company said. The employee in question was immediately removed from all FedEx work duties while our investigation is concluded and all internal procedures are followed."

"FedEx holds its team members to a high standard of personal conduct, and we do not tolerate the kind of appalling and offensive behavior depicted in this video. The individual involved is no longer employed by FedEx. We stand with those who support justice and equality."

Joe Demarco also faced repercussions, with the New Jersey Department of Corrections stating that he had also been suspending pending an investigation.

"We have been made aware that one of our officers participated in the filming of a hateful and disappointing video that mocked the killing of George Floyd," they explained.

Many, however, believe that the two employers did not go far enough.

"This man needs to be FIRED," one user wrote in a reply to the  New Jersey Department of Corrections. "Do you really think the citizens of NJ want our people that have been (probably injustly) incarcerated being treated like this by him????!!!!! FIRE HIM NOW. There's nothing to investigate. that was a RACIST display of HATRED to black people everywhere."

Another added: "Someone who so proudly displays their racism should not be given a platform of power. I understand the need for an investigation, but the video is very clear. Fire him!! We will not forget!"

If you are looking for ways to donate your time or money to Black Lives Matter and other antiracist organizations, we have created a list of resources to get you started.

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