Taser-wielding security guard Darien Long losing job

A security guard who became an online star after Tasing customers he deemed out of control is losing his job.

Darien Long, a security guard at the Metro Mall in downtown Atlanta, became known worldwide after videos of him Tasing people he deemed out of control went viral on the inteet.

Long said that he was given a pink slip by his employers for financial reasons.

"They lost three vendors. They can no longer afford to pay me. So that's why they're letting me go," Long said.

Some have questioned whether Long's uncompromising style of law enforcement is the reason for his dismissal.

"This environment made me very, very aggressive. But when you need someone to handle a situation so you don't have to call the police, then you want somebody there that's going to be willing to handle it," Long said.

Long said that while he has received supporter from all over the world, he does have critics.

James Crooks said that he thinks Long's style is over the top.

"If you take a visual look at it, it appears that he is the only one causing the problem," Crooks said.

Others at the Metro Mall praised Long.

"I think his style is excellent. I've seen him on YouTube and World Star Hip Hop. Somebody needs to clean up around here, I guess," said one man.

Long said that he is unsure of his future.