Philadelphia Paramedic Instagram Draws Heat

An Instagram photo posted by a Philadelphia Fire Department paramedic has created a firestorm of controversy.

Marcell Salters posted a photo depicting two black men pointing handguns at the head of a white police officer with the caption “Our real enemy. Need 2 stop pointing guns at each other and at the ones that’s legally killing innocents.” The photo is taken from rapper Maino’s video “Hands Up.”

The post has police and city officials up in arms and an investigation is underway. Salters posted an apology of sorts on his Facebook page: “That post was out of anger of what is going on around the world (Mike Brown, Eric Garner & etc.) & past experiences that I’ve had with police. My intention was not to slander or hurt anyone or my brothers in blue. Again I am sorry.”
FOX 29 News Philadelphia | WTXF-TV

About Curt Varone

Curt Varone has over 45 years of fire service experience and 35 as a practicing attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Maine. His background includes 29 years as a career firefighter in Providence (retiring as a Deputy Assistant Chief), as well as volunteer and paid on call experience. He is the author of two books: Legal Considerations for Fire and Emergency Services, (2006, 2nd ed. 2011, 3rd ed. 2014, 4th ed. 2022) and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine writing the Fire Law column.
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