A billboard in Pennsylvania is causing controversy in a town for its racially insensitive sentiments surrounding the officer-involved shooting of Antwon Rose Jr.

The Philly Voice reports the Pittsburgh billboard displays an image of recently acquitted police officer Michael Rosfeld and Rose, whom he shot and killed during a traffic stop last year, as Blavity reported. 

The electronic board reads, "Legal System Works, Justice Served, Get over it," with "Policeman" written above an image of Rosfeld and "Criminal" above that of Rose.

The opposite side of the billboard also includes racially insensitive commentary, writing, "Question: Why can Blacks say n***a but Whites can't?"

Other messages expressed on the board include, "Coal Miners Had It Worse Than Slaves," "Jussie Smollett Hangs Himself," and "Whites have rights too."

Locals have been flooding social media with criticism.

John Placek, the owner of the billboard, spoke with Channel 11 WPXI and defended his messages, stating that he intended to spark dialogue and unity.

“Racism is misunderstood in America and I want to have the conversation," he told the publication. “We need to get over the part, 'I’m Black. You’re white. You’re Hispanic.' Who cares? I don’t care about that. I do care about how you act and how you stand for my flag, our flag.” 

"The board was never meant to hurt anybody, and I would never do that," he continued. "I'm a patriot. I'm an American, period."

Still, people are justly offended and calling him out for the racist rhetoric of his posts. Pennsylvania Rep. Jeff Pyle, who admitted that he does not approve of the board, also told reporters that his office regularly receives complaints. Unfortunately, he says there is not much that can be done since the billboard is privately owned.

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Placek currently leases the billboard, which is the property of a local fire department. The department, housed in Worthington, Armstrong County, has reportedly threatened to take back control over the billboard, but Placek says that he signed a two-year agreement and would therefore sue.

The Post-Gazette reported the amount of backlash caused fueling company Sunoco to cut ties with the gas station owner near the billboard. The Tribune-Review says the company not only terminated all future fuel deliveries but also removed its Sunoco-branded sign.

“At Sunoco, we believe racism and bias in any form are simply unacceptable," wrote Sunoco spokeswoman Alyson Gomez in a statement. "Those representing the independently owned Sunoco-branded sites are expected to uphold our values on this topic."

"These offensive billboards are unacceptable and do not represent our values and beliefs in any way," the statement continued. “I can confirm that we have terminated our business relationship with this site.”

The 17-year-old Rose was suspected of being involved in a drive-by shooting when Rosfeld approached him and a friend. Rosfeld fatally shot him in his back, arm and on the side of his face as he was running from the officer. The jury determined Rosfeld was justified in his killing of the young honor roll student, deeming him not guilty of homicide last Friday.

Following the fuel company's ceased contract, WPXI-TV reports Placek responded to the news, saying he was aware the Rosfeld/Rose message would cause controversy, but he had only anticipated it sparking conversation, not negatively affect the town's businesses.

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Antwon RoseMichael RosfeldPennsylvania billboardPittsburgh