The former spokesman for the St. Landry Parish Crime Stoppers in Louisiana known as the "Cajun John Wayne" has landed a new gig.
Clay Higgins was sworn in Wednesday as a reserve deputy with the Lafayette City Marshal, according to KATC-TV. "Deputy Higgins will assist the marshals office in its daily duties. Deputy Higgins will participate in all training exercises that all deputies are required to have," a spokesman for the agency said. "Clay Higgins is a highly trained law enforcement officer with years of experience and will benefit the citizens of the community. He is passionate about the job and wants to make the community a safer place to live."
Higgins -- who is well-known for his viral videos seeking fugitives -- resigned for the St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office last month amid controversy over a video he produced at the request of the Louisiana State Police.
In a blunt message to the seven alleged Gremlins street-gang members, Higgins said: "You will be hunted. You will be trapped. And if you raise your weapon to a man like me, we'll return fire with superior fire."
The American Civil Liberties Union released a statement following the release of the video, saying: "Assuming that what is reported is true, Mr. Higgins has suggested that those he seeks to arrest are subject to execution before trial."
St. Landry Parish Sheriff Bobby Guidroz had said that while he agreed with the sentiments to the video, he had continuously asked Higgins to "tone down his unprofessional comments."
At a news conference announcing his resignation, Higgins said: "I would die rather than sacrifice my principles. I would leave my wife without a husband, my children without a daddy, rather than kneel to the very forces of evil that I have so long stood against."
