Officer investigated over presidential assassin Facebook post

Comment posted on Tavares police Officer Sarah Coursey's Facebook as Obama spoke

TAVARES, Fla. – A Tavares police officer is under investigation after a Facebook comment was posted on her page referencing past presidential assassins, right around the time President Barack Obama gave his acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention, according to authorities.

Local 6 has confirmed that Officer Sarah Coursey is under investigation after the Tavares Police Department received an email Thursday night about the comment, which stated, "Where's Lee Harvey Oswald or John Wilkes Booth when you need them!?!? :)"

The post was made around 10:15 p.m., approximately the same time Obama was speaking in Charlotte, N.C.

After receiving the email tip with a screen-captured image of the comment, Tavares Police Chief Stoney Lubins contacted the Secret Service, according to police. Special agents responded and have initiated a separate investigation.

City officials said the citizen who tipped police off to the post described it as a "horrible thing to say."

Coursey is on paid administrative leave pending the investigation. Local 6 has learned Coursey worked at the Tavares Police Department from 2008-2009, resigned and was rehired in May 2011.

City officials said Coursey was off-duty at the time it appears the message was posted on Facebook.

Watch Local 6 News for more on this story.


Recommended Videos