The Mississippi Department of Public Safety has deployed state troopers to Goodman after a viral video involving guns mocked the lack of local police in the Holmes County town.
On July 7, an Instagram reel was posted showing a group of young men walking around the streets of Goodman with guns. One individual was shown knocking on the police state’s door, but no one answered. Shortly after, another man was shown jumping on top of a police car while waving a firearm.
WARNING: The following video contains strong language and profanity. Viewer discretion is advised.
In response to the video, troopers with the Mississippi Highway Patrol arrived in Goodman on Wednesday to provide the law enforcement presence the town had been lacking. Goodman has been without a municipal police force for about a year because of officer resignations and budget constraints, according to local officials.
Working alongside the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office, the Mississippi Highway Patrol is now conducting regular traffic stops as the two agencies patrol the town of roughly 1,200 students. Goodman is also home to the main campus of Holmes Community College.
“A strong law enforcement presence was necessary to send a clear message that in Goodman, or any town across Mississippi, we will not allow lawlessness to prevail,” Department of Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell said.
After the video caught the attention of state officials, Tindell and other Department of Public Safety leaders flew to Goodman by helicopter on Thursday to meet with local officials. It remains unclear how long troopers will be stationed in the town, but Tindell said he will stay in contact with local leaders as they work toward a long-term policing plan.
