Chattanooga, Tennessee — A conductor at Chattanooga’s historic Incline Railway has been fired after delivering a controversial Independence Day message to passengers that quickly spread across social media and sparked widespread criticism.
The incident occurred aboard the 131-year-old Incline Railway, one of the world’s steepest passenger railways, during Fourth of July celebrations. A video of the announcement has since gone viral, prompting complaints from passengers and a swift response from the Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA).
Patriotic Message Quickly Turned Controversial
According to video shared on TikTok, conductor Jack Peterson began his announcement by wishing American passengers a happy Independence Day before addressing international visitors.
“To the very, very few Americans in here, Happy Independence Day.”
The remark was met with audible groans from several passengers, while one rider could be heard shouting for the conductor to “shut up.”
Peterson then continued with the statement that drew the strongest reaction.
“To the rest of you, welcome to the greatest country on the face of the planet, and if you disagree, you can leave.”
Following the announcement, the rail car reportedly fell silent as passengers processed what had been said over the loudspeaker.
Passenger Says Family Was Upset by the Remarks
The video was posted online by passenger Nathan Scherer, who was visiting Chattanooga with his family, including his father, Charles Scherer.
The clip quickly attracted more than 530,000 views on TikTok and was shared with hashtags referencing racism and xenophobia.
According to Charles Scherer, the decision to report the incident was not about the railway itself but about ensuring company officials were aware of the employee’s comments.
“It just really upset me, the whole time riding down,” Charles Scherer said.
He added that he felt uncomfortable because his granddaughter was present during the ride and believed the company should know how the conductor was representing the organization.
Conductor Defends His Independence Day Comments
After the video gained widespread attention, Peterson defended his remarks, saying they were intended as a patriotic message rather than an attack on anyone.
“I’m very patriotic; it was the USA’s Independence Day. I was celebrating with my fellow Americans (native or non-native),” Peterson said.
He also explained why he believed his comments were appropriate.
“I truly do believe we are the greatest country on earth. My statement about if you dont like the country and dont believe we are the best then you can leave is a freedom of the USA that many other countries do not have. It is not a racist or xenophobic thing to say. If you dont believe in making this country better then why are you here?”
Transit Authority Announces Immediate Termination
CARTA officials confirmed that Peterson, who worked part-time, was terminated shortly after supervisors reviewed the complaint.
The agency emphasized that it maintains a zero-tolerance policy for language that could make passengers feel unwelcome.
“I want to apologize directly to the passengers who experienced this, and to everyone who has seen the video and felt its sting. It should never have happened,” CARTA Chief of Staff Scott Wilson said.
Wilson added:
“We have zero tolerance for language that demeans or excludes anyone who rides with us. For 131 years, the Incline Railway has welcomed visitors from Chattanooga and from around the world. Every passenger who boards our railway deserves to feel respected and welcome, and we are committed to making sure that is always the case.”
The incident has fueled debate online about free speech, workplace conduct and the expectations placed on employees representing public organizations while interacting with visitors from around the world.
What do you think about CARTA’s decision?
Should employees be disciplined for personal remarks made while on duty, or do you believe the conductor’s comments were protected expression? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.