OCH Regional Medical Center’s leaders said Wednesday they will investigate tweets posted by hospital intensive care unit director that seemed to support rioters who stormed the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C.
In multiple tweets posted Tuesday and Wednesday, Dr. Cameron Huxford falsely claimed the 2020 U.S. presidential election was rigged and expressed a desire to join Wednesday’s riot led by supporters of President Donald Trump, some of whom were armed.
“If I didn’t have to man the Covid wards on 1/6/2021, I’d be in the caravan headed to Washington!” Huxford tweeted Tuesday in reference to the planned protests at the U.S. Capitol during Congress’ vote to certify President-elect Joe Biden’s win in the Electoral College.
As Wednesday’s demonstration became violent — with throngs of Trump supporters breaking into the Capitol, fighting police and temporarily forcing Congress to stop the Constitutional process and go into hiding — Huxford replied to someone else’s tweet that stated the violence “feels like terrorism” with a doubled-down support of the riot.
“What’s happened on November 3 by the stealing of the election was domestic terrorism!” Huxford tweeted at 2:14 p.m. “Wish I was there (with) them. Freedom isn’t free!”
The Dispatch obtained a screenshot of the tweets that Huxford later deleted.
At least four people died during the insurrection, including a woman who was shot at the Capitol and three others who suffered unspecified medical issues, according to national media reports. Dozens more, including members of law enforcement, were injured.
Huxford also runs a pulmonology clinic on Hospital Road. He was an independent practitioner in March when the pandemic began and started working for OCH in April.
In a written statement released to The Dispatch Wednesday evening, OCH CEO Jim Jackson said hospital leadership is aware of the tweets. However, he said any consequences Huxford would face would be considered a “personnel matter” and not be publicly disclosed.
“While OCH does not monitor employees’ social media usage, when an inappropriate or questionable post or comment is brought to our attention, we will investigate the situation and take action as necessary,” Jackson’s statement reads. “… We are the healers and helpers in our community and aspire to do just that during these unprecedented times — heal and help. We will all listen and seek to better understand the current issues within our community, state, and nation and will strive to continue to provide safe, quality care for our community.”
OCH is a county-owned hospital that receives public funding. The Oktibbeha County Board of Supervisors appoints the hospital’s board of trustees.
Linda Breazeale, vice chair of the OCH board of trustees, told The Dispatch that Huxford’s tweets “will be addressed” but offered no further comment.
Huxford did not respond to The Dispatch’s requests for comment.
Earlier this year, Huxford led a failed movement against a city-wide mask mandate. In July, he presented a letter, signed by 18 area physicians, urging them not to approve a protective face mask mandate in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19. The board went on to approve the requirement, which is still in place.
Huxford told the board he did not oppose the use of masks but did not believe there was sufficient evidence that they prevent the spread of the virus. He also said he believed a mask mandate would discourage other safety measures such as hand-washing and social distancing.
OCH supported the mask requirement, and Jackson told the aldermen Huxford did not speak for the hospital.
Tess Vrbin was previously a reporter for The Dispatch.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 46 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 46 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
