Fairfax Co. firefighter placed on paid leave after controversial social media post

Neighbors of Fairfax County firefighter Khalil Abdul-Rasheed were stunned by his posts on social media.

The 15-year veteran of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department reportedly responded to a post about police encounters by saying, "We have to start putting them in body bags…"

"Nobody should be posting that," said Abdul-Rasheed's neighbor, Jerry Connell.

Abdul-Rasheed apparently continued his post saying, "Pull the cops off, lay on the individual, form a circle or throw punches."

"It's not surprising to me, but it's not something that I would expect because he's so cool," said Connell.

Connell said he disagrees with Abdul-Rasheed's posts.

"No way," he said. "I'm not in favor of any kind of violence against anyone."

"He probably shouldn't urge attacks, but something needs to be done," said another neighbor who retired from the military.

The neighbor did not want to be identified, but said Abdul-Rasheed was also in the military.

"I thought he's a good person," the neighbor told us. "I talk to him. He takes care of his kids and that's all I know."

He also had plenty to say about Abdul-Rasheed's controversial posts.

"They have to be held accountable, and right now, they're not being held accountable," said the neighbor.

The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department said its internal investigation process continues while Abdul-Rasheed is off the front lines.

"The Fairfax County Firefighter involved in the social media post has been placed on paid administrative leave," said Fairfax County Fire and Rescue in a statement. "An internal investigation process is underway."