MORRIS COUNTY — An update to a story that first appeared in Morris Focus on July 16, titled “Community Condemns Morristown Worker’s Post on Trump Assassination.” Click here to read previous story.
Morristown has taken unspecified “disciplinary action” against Tia Ellzey, a town employee, for a “reckless and needlessly divisive” comment posted on her Facebook page after the weekend assassination attempt on Donald Trump.
The employee, Tia Ellzey, had posted: “The shooter had ONE job,” accompanied by an eye-rolling emoji.
“Political violence like the attempted assassination of former President Trump goes against the bedrock principles of our American democracy and should never be tolerated or condoned by anyone, much less a public employee who is tasked with representing the values of our community,” town Administrator Jillian Barrick said in a statement Wednesday.
“This employee’s post on social media was reckless and needlessly divisive, and it does not reflect the views of our municipal government. As soon as we became aware of the employee’s statement, we took immediate disciplinary action to clarify that this kind of conduct is unacceptable. We cannot comment further because this is a personnel matter, but I want residents to rest assured that we take this issue seriously.”
Personal postings can run afoul of the municipality’s social media policy, according to an copy provided by the Morristown Clerk’s office:
Inappropriate postings that may include discriminatory remarks, harassment, threats of violence, or other similarly inappropriate or unlawful conduct will not be tolerated and may subject individuals to disciplinary action, up to and including termination.
Ultimately, each individual is solely responsible for what he/she posts online. Before creating online content, consider some of the risks and rewards that are involved. Keep in mind that any conduct that adversely affects job performance, the performance
of fellow employees or otherwise adversely affects the Town, its partners, and its constituents may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.
Andrew DeLaney, an attorney and member of Morristown’s Municipal Republican Committee, told Morris Focus he thinks Ellzey should publicly retract her statement–or be fired.
“There is no place in a public position for someone advocating for a President’s assassination. This incident underscores the deep decline in the standards of our country and its public officials. There is no excuse for this,” stated Morristown Attorney Andrew DeLaney.
Parsippany resident Joey McCormick said “Amazing because you would think promoting killing while being employed by a municipality that would be immediate termination or indefinite suspension.. nope.”
“What a piece of sh!!! She should be fired… no perks.. she should receive nothing!! Let’s hope and pray she doesn’t have children and she’s not breeding this level of absolute toxic behavior! It takes a sick person to wish assassination! Honestly it’s this type of mentality that’s got our world all twisted! Sadly it’s more than just her,!” said Hanover resident Jessica Karamolegos.
Samantha DeNunzio did not agree with Morris Focus releasing the original article and said “I do not agree or like this woman’s post, but I am fuming that you find this to be appropriate to share name and picture of this woman! Now what about HER safety?!? You don’t think some trumpster will go after her some how??!? Absolutely uncool.” In a respone to Samantha DeNunzio, Morris Focus reader Jan Mahoney stated “She’s the one that’s putting herself at risk by making a statement like that on a public social media.”
Former President Trump sustained a wound to his ear, one rally attendee was killed, and two others were injured. Authorities killed the shooter, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel, PA, who was on a warehouse rooftop overlooking the event.
