On Friday, Blaze News provided exclusive details about the dismissal of a young operative from the Indiana Republican Party. Paul Tinkle was let go last week for making the “OK” sign in a photo shared on social media. Following the Blaze News coverage, he was reinstated by the state party on Monday.
Tinkle, who has been involved in Republican politics since he was 16, spent three years teaching in Japan, where the “OK” sign is a common gesture in photos. He returned to manage volunteers for the Indiana State GOP.
Many were taken aback by the swift reaction surrounding Tinkle’s firing and subsequent rehiring, triggering an online uproar. Blaze News reported that Mario Massillamany, the chair of the Hamilton County GOP, allegedly had a significant role in Tinkle’s dismissal, based on statements made by Tinkle’s supervisors.
“I did not play a part in his firing,” Massillamany asserted in a conversation with Blaze News. “I had nothing to do with it.”
However, other sources contradicted Massillamany’s claims. One supervisor shared a text with Tinkle prior to his termination indicating that Massillamany believed the gesture was associated with white supremacy.
On Monday morning, Lana Keesling, the Chairwoman of the Indiana Republican Party, acknowledged that she made a mistake in firing Tinkle and accepted the blame for a decision viewed by many as unfair.
“I’m glad to announce that Paul Tinkle will be returning to his position with the Indiana Republican Party. After learning more about the circumstances, it became evident that I didn’t have the complete understanding. I made the wrong decision, and I fully accept responsibility for it. I apologize to Paul for prematurely concluding things without the facts,” Keesling stated in a post.
Tinkle expressed relief about returning to work as the midterm elections approach. He emphasized the need for unity around the party’s candidates, notably thanking various officials who supported him during the ordeal. Tinkle also expressed gratitude towards Governor Mike Braun for addressing the situation promptly.
As for the Indiana State GOP, they remained silent when asked for comment.
