Va. Lawmaker Criticized For Facebook Post About Baltimore Unrest
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) -- A Virginia legislator is being criticized for posting a photo of a snarling police dog along with a reference to unrest in Baltimore.
The Richmond Times-Dispatch reports that the posting and picture were captured Tuesday and reposted on the left-leaning blog Blue Virginia.
The picture shows a K-9 handler in SWAT gear restraining the dog. Republican Del. Hyland Fowler Jr. of Hanover County added a message saying, "I wonder if a few of these would help bring calm to Baltimore?"
Democratic state Sen. Donald McEachin of Henrico County called the picture and posting insensitive. Fowler's opponent in the November election, Toni Radler, said it was racist, whether intentional or not.
Hyland confirmed to the newspaper that he posted it originally. He apologized, saying the posting was "not very thoughtful."
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