A Sierra Unified School District official who joined in protests at the U.S. Capitol Building last week has come under fire for his participation.
The Central Valley School Board member was only sworn in last month, but he was seen on social media amid a crowd of others during the protest. The protest later escalated into an attack on the U.S. Capitol Building.
People have called for James Hoak to resign or be fired for his participation. One individual even went as far as to file an online petition seeking his removal.
Claudia Gonzalez has called for Hoak's immediate resignation and already has about 3,000 signatures for her petition.
"We should not sugarcoat what Mr. James Hoak is, he is a domestic terrorist," Gonzalez said, as reported by ABC 30.
Hoak has claimed he was never in the U.S. Capitol Building and that he only protested lawfully as it was his right.
In a meeting that was held on Monday night, participants had split views regarding Hoak's participation, with half of them arguing that he was exercising his constitutional rights.
"I stand by him 100 percent," one of the attendees said, according to ABC 30. Another said Hoak acted negligently despite having the right to express himself.
More of Hoak's supporters including his father have posted on Facebook in his defense. Hoak however did not comment either to the media or during the virtual school board meeting in which he was present.
Many people have since lost their jobs after pictures and videos of them participating in the riot went public. The FBI is holding investigations to gather evidence and identify those who broke the law.
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