KENNETH LOVETT
NY Post Online
October 18, 2001 -- ALBANY - A Muslim firefighter in Albany was taken off the job after ripping down a poster of an American flag that had been hung at his station to honor the firefighters who died in the World Trade Center attack.
The firefighter, Sebastian Banks, 38, was placed on paid administrative leave until after an upcoming court hearing on an unrelated gun-possession charge.
Albany firefighters were fuming when Banks last week tore down the poster that displayed an American flag and the words: "These colors don't run."
"He has no problem with the display of the American flag," but found the words "offensive," said his lawyer, Gaspar Castillo.
But the action became a distraction at the firehouse, said Det. James Miller, a spokesman for Albany's fire department.
Some firefighters claim Banks, who sued his way onto the force after claiming he was passed over due to racial discrimination, has uttered anti-American statements since the Sept. 11 attacks.
Banks could not be reached for comment.
He was arrested on Sept. 14 after allegedly putting a shotgun and a rifle into his car.
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