WARNING: Graphic language used. Viewer descretion is advised.
A Cranbrook resident has been identified as the woman behind a racially charged altercation in the middle of a Denny’s Restaurant in Alberta – all captured on video by one of the people targeted by the insults.
The video, posted to social media Wednesday by Bashir Mohamed, has since gone viral, and the woman hurling the racist rant has been identified as Kelly Pocha, of Cranbrook.
The video begins with Pocha saying “Shut your (expletive) mouth then. ‘Cause you know what? You’re dealing with a Canadian woman now and I will leap across this table and punch you right in the (expletive) mouth.”
Pocha repeatedly tells the men to “go back to your country,” “we don’t need you here,” “no, you are not Canadian,” and “speak English if you’re going to speak, speak English, it’s Canada. You don’t raise your nationalism here, speak English or don’t speak at all.”
The video sparked condemnation from Lethbridge Mayor Chris Spearman and Alberta Premier Rachel Notley.
Racist, bigoted comments have no place in Alberta.
Our government is always working to foster acceptance and better understanding of our differences.
By working together, we can make life better for all.
Everyone is welcome in Alberta.#ableg #abpoli https://t.co/ogyXFnZ7fM— Rachel Notley (@RachelNotley) May 9, 2018
The original video has been viewed over 210,000 times, and shared at least 5,435 times at the time of writing. Numerous people commented, posting Pocha’s LinkedIn page, identifying her as an employee of Cranbrook Dodge.
Her name and profile no longer appears on the company website.
Their social media channels went down temporarily and were then reactivated with a statement that reads as follows:
“We have recently become aware of a disturbing video that involves one of our employees. We are deeply concerned about the content of this video and want all of our friends, families, colleagues, and customers to know that this behaviour does not reflect the values of Cranbrook Dodge in any way. We strive to be a welcoming and inclusive company with no room for hate or intolerance.
The employee in question has been terminated and we deeply apologize for her actions.
Sincerely, Dave Girling and the Cranbrook Dodge Team.”
