A driver who delivers for FedEx said Wednesday that he and his partner were fired after a video circulated of an argument between the driver and a customer, who they say threatened them.
On Wednesday, the driver posted a Twitter video showing part of the heated exchange between his partner and a man, who lives in Leesburg, Georgia. The driver, Antonio Braswell, said the exchange came about after the customer chased them down and threatened to attack them as they delivered a package.
“I’m reposting this video because people like him doesn’t matter white or any race should never disrespect essential workers putting their lives in jeopardy especially with this covid-19,” Braswell wrote in the video’s caption.
FedEx confirmed late Wednesday that the drivers, who are contracted through an independent service provider, are “no longer providing service on behalf of FedEx Ground." The company did not confirm the reason why the men were terminated, but later told NBC News the company would “provide employment for these drivers” as they investigate what happened.
Braswell in his video claims that he and his coworker, Felinzay Lundy, were fired after the video of the exchange was posted on his Twitter. In the video, Lundy can be seen arguing with a customer, who is holding his phone, standing several feet away and seemingly recording the exchange as well.
“You didn’t have to come out here cussing me like that. I ain’t no little boy. I’ll wait to the police come,” Lundy said in the video.
The customer responds that he thought the drivers were waiting for police as Lundy begins to drive away.
Lundy comments that he didn’t want to wait, since the man allegedly warned he’d “whoop his (expletive.)”
What happened before the video footage
Braswell said the police were called after the two drivers delivered a package to the customer’s door. As they were leaving, the customer allegedly chased down Lundy and said he would attack the drivers. The man’s wife reportedly called police, and, according to Braswell, the man told police upon their arrival that the drivers looked “’like they would’ve broke into my house while my wife is there.’”
Leesburg Police Department reportedly responded to the incident, but no comments have been shared with the media about charges or their findings.
The Twitter video has been viewed more than 5 million times as of Thursday. Many Twitter users expressed they were livid about the drivers being fired under the circumstances. Some have began using the hashtag #boycottFedex in response to the situation.
FedEx told NBC News that it seriously reviews allegations of discrimination, retaliation or improper employment actions and would "be conducting a thorough investigation into these claims."
"While we conduct this investigation FedEx will provide employment for these drivers,” the company said.
There were no details provided about what kind of employment the men were offered while the investigation is underway. A Georgia social site, GaFollowers, started a GoFundme for the two workers Wednesday.
“These two FedEx employees were fired simply for doing their job, the page reads. “We've spoken to both former employees and they will be grateful for any type of support as they transition to finding a new job.”
The page has accumulated more than $56,000 of its $75,000 goal.
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