As online donations to fired part-time Incline Railway conductor surpassed $18,000 on Monday, some Chattanoogans organized online to have the fundraiser reported and removed.
The Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority fired Jack Peterson after he made remarks criticized online as xenophobic during a July 4 Incline Railway ride that went viral on social media and made national headlines.
“To the very, very few Americans in here, happy Independence Day,” Peterson said over the train intercom, “To the rest of you, welcome to the greatest country on the face of the planet, and if you disagree, you can leave.”
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On July 7, Peterson opened a GoFundMe with a donation goal of $700 and, in its description, he identified himself as the conductor recently fired for his “patriotic statements.”