NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- A state trooper has been suspended for 15 days without pay and will be required to attend diversity training after he accidentally sent an e-mail proclaiming white pride to 787 state employees.

The e-mail from Trooper Brent Gobbell states, in part, "You rob us, carjack us, and shoot at us. But, when a white police officer shoots a black gang member ... you call him a racist." It also includes a list of racist epithets.

The message concludes, "There is nothing improper about this e-mail. Let's see which of you are proud enough to send it on ... BE PROUD TO BE WHITE!"

A news release from the state Department of Safety says Gobbell sent the e-mail to himself on Oct. 9 so he could print a copy. He did not realize he had inadvertently sent it to hundreds of state employees as well.

An investigation revealed that after receiving e-mails and phone calls from other employees about the message, Gobbell deleted his responses to the original e-mail and attempted to delete it as well.

According to the Safety Department, Gobbell violated the state's computer use policy.

"Every Trooper receives cadet in-service training specifically designed to discourage discrimination of any type," THP Col. Mike Walker said in a news release. Gobbell received in-service training the week of June 26, according to the release.

The 51-year-old Gobbell is assigned to the Capitol Security Detail at the Supreme Court and was commissioned in 1983. He has apologized for his actions.

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