A Local 10 news investigative reporter was called into action after hearing that face masks with known nazi symbols were being sold at a Fort Lauderdale, Florida gas station.
A concerned woman named Kelly Wagner discovered the masks inside a Shell gas station in her local area. She was shocked and appalled that the masks had multiple swastikas on them, a known symbol of hate.
“After the initial shock, horror, I asked the woman behind the counter, ‘Is Shell actually selling swastika face masks?’” Wagner said to the local news station.
“And she outright said yes. Her response to me was, ’Whatever. We sell what it is that they give us to sell.’”
The masks also had Nazi eagle insignia and were sold at that Shell located at 6201 Powerline Road.
Local News 10 reportedly bought the last mask and planned to throw it in the trash after their investigation was over.
“I’m deeply offended by it,” said Rabbi Arnie Samlan from the Jewish Federation of Broward. “What we have in the United States is a lack of understanding and knowledge of what Natzism stood for and of the symbols used by the Nazis.”
When Mohammad Hossin, manager of the gas station, was confronted by the investigative reporter, he claimed he had no idea what the symbolism was. He reportedly said he got the masks from a vendor that had a variety of designs. He claimed not to remember who the vendor was and didn’t have a receipt.
Shell reportedly released the following statement about the incident, “Shell Oil Products US does not condone hate symbols and is in contact with the licensee of this site to have this item removed. We support inclusivity of all patrons who choose Shell and take allegations of discrimination seriously.”
“The Shell retail fuels business in the U.S. and its brand licensees primarily supply quality motor fuels to wholesalers who operate under the Shell brand and sell Shell-branded fuels. While the name on the sign reflects the brand of the motor fuel being sold on the premises, the convenience store, and the day-to-day site operations are the legal responsibility of the wholesaler, site owner, and/or operator.”
