While many on the eastern coasts of the United States are bunkered down for Hurricane Florence, a U.S. Coast Guard member was caught flashing an "OK" sign with his hand, which has come to be associated with white supremacists.

NBC News reports the Coast Guard has removed the man from Florence response operations and has launched an investigation into the incident.

Capt. John Reed, commander of Florence response efforts in Charleston, South Carolina, was interviewed by MSNBC when the unidentified man in the background flashed the symbol. 

"Whatever that symbol means, it doesn't reflect the Coast Guard and our core values," Lt. J.B. Zorn said. "It won't be tolerated."

Over the past two years, the "OK" sign has been co-opted by the far-Right and white supremacists as a way to troll the Left. This latest incident appears to be an example.

"We’re not going to let one person detract from the good work the Coast Guard is doing in the region," Zorn said. "We're going to stay focused.

The Washington Post reports 30 inches of rainfall has fallen, shattering previous records. At least five people have died since the hurricane hit coastline. 

"We are aware of the offensive video on Twitter — the Coast Guard has identified the member and removed him from the response. His actions do not reflect those of the United States Coast Guard."

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