Mods are considered no different than other members - they just have the ability to review & remove posts.
They are free to post attacks the same as anyone else.
I know this because I repeatedly and frequently reported one for making personal attacks.
I was instructed to ignore them.
F THAT!
I want the ability to see what's being posted and by whom - I shouldn't be forced to disregard parts of the discussion just to avoid being attacked by a mod.
Besides, sometimes you read a post that's a reply to an ignored member and then you need to click the link to read what the OP said. So you're back to reading something posted by someone you ignored.