A part-time conductor at Chattanooga's Lookout Mountain Incline Railway was terminated this week following a July 4th incident, after video showed him making unsolicited patriotic statements to passengers.
Jack Peterson, a seasonal employee, was fired by the Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) after telling riders on the historic funicular railway: "To the very, very few Americans in here, happy Independence Day. To the rest of you, welcome to the greatest country on the face of the planet, and if you disagree, you can leave."
Passenger Nathan Scherer posted video of the remarks to TikTok. The incident sparked online debate about free speech and patriotism.
CARTA's chief of staff, Scott Wilson, said Peterson was dismissed under Section 14 of the organization's Code of Conduct—"conduct unbecoming a CARTA employee"—and Section 5 of the Employee Handbook, which requires operators to maintain pleasant and courteous speech and manner. The handbook states discourteous treatment may result in discharge.
Wilson said CARTA received multiple complaints from riders beyond the viral video, suggesting a pattern of behavior.
"A conductor's duties are to safely seat every passenger, deliver the safety and welcome announcements, and then play the pre-recorded script that tells the history of the Incline Railway," Wilson said. "The announcement system exists for safety and hospitality; it's not an opportunity to share personal views."
The railroad, which opened in 1887, serves an international clientele. Visitors travel from every state and around the world to ride North America's steepest funicular railway.
After initial termination, CARTA's CEO contacted Peterson upon returning from vacation and indicated willingness to meet with him about potential reemployment in some capacity.
Peterson launched a GoFundMe campaign and told Fox News Digital his firing was "not a correct or just one." He characterized his remarks as a "patriotic statement."
Wilson's statement emphasized that "welcoming every guest warmly isn't a political statement—it's Southern hospitality and also a good business principle."
