After receiving harsh criticism for firing an elderly employee who attempted to stop shoplifters from getting away with over $2,000 in stolen goods, Lowe’s has rehired her.
According to the Effingham Herald, Donna Hansbrough has been reinstated.
IJR reported Monday Hansbrough suffered injuries after being assaulted for grabbing the shopping cart full of unpaid goods as suspects walked out of the store with them in Rincon, Georgia.
The Rincon Police Department is still looking for two suspects in the case, and Hansbrough had been fired for violating the store’s policy to not pursue shoplifters.
Hansbrough’s story went viral and support poured in for her.
Journalist Any Ngo tweeted about the situation, and the responses decried Lowe’s for firing her.
A 68-year-old Georgia woman was assaulted while trying to stop a group of thieves. @Lowes then fired her. https://t.co/iq1kZyuBOE
— Andy Ngo 🏳️🌈 (@MrAndyNgo) July 24, 2023
Ebook publisher, Chuck Hambertson noted, “If @Lowes doesn’t feel the need to defend their employees then why would I feel safe shopping there as a customer?”
If @Lowes doesn't feel the need to defend their employees then why would I feel safe shopping there as a customer?🧐
— Chuck Humbertson (@ChuckHumbertson) July 24, 2023
User Thomas Matthew wrote, “Lowe’s…. How could you treat your loyal employees with such disrespect?”
He instructed followers to give the company “the Bud Light Treatment” and shop elsewhere.
Lowe’s…. How could you treat your loyal employees with such disrespect? Time to give Lowe’s the Bud Light treatment, folks. Shop at Home Depot. Don’t reward Lowe’s for firing a 68-year old female employee who was just trying to do the right thing by her employer. pic.twitter.com/tK61MjLpkT
— Thomas Paine 🇺🇸 (@latayprime) July 23, 2023
“Don’t reward Lowe’s for firing a 68-year-old female employee who was just trying to do the right thing by her employer,” he added.
A Go Fund Me campaign was also created for Hansbrough, and within three days, it reached $25,000.
In response, Lowe’s issued a statement Monday: “After senior management became aware of the incident and spoke to Donna Hansbrough today, we are reinstating her job and we are pleased that she has accepted the offer to return to Lowe’s. First and foremost, there’s nothing more important than the safety of our customers and associates. Products can be replaced; people cannot. We continue to work closely with law enforcement to investigate and prosecute those who are responsible for this theft and violent attack.”