The NYPD has been suspended an officer after a video was posted on social media showing the cop in violation of department rules when he used the speaker from his patrol car to say: “Trump 2020.”
The NYPD tweeted Sunday that the police officer who is under investigation for using a department vehicle’s loudspeaker for political purposes has been suspended without pay effective immediately.
After two different videos surfaced that captured the Saturday evening incident, the department confirmed on Sunday morning it had begun an initial investigation.
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The videos show the officer sitting in a marked police vehicle in Brooklyn’s Flatbush neighborhood. Delivering a robust show of support for President Trump, the officer shouted through the loudspeaker: “Trump 2020. Put it on YouTube, put it on Facebook. Trump 2020.”
In the video footage, two other uniformed police officers are shown standing near the marked police vehicle, but their participation in the incident is not made clear. NYPD officials did not indicate if the two officers were part of their investigation.
Commissioner Dermot Shea took to Twitter to denounce the unnamed officer’s alleged actions, calling them “One hundred percent unacceptable. Period.” Shea promised to give the public an update after the investigation.
“Law enforcement must remain apolitical. It is essential in our role to serve ALL New Yorkers regardless of any political beliefs. It is essential for New Yorkers to trust their police. Updates to follow after initial investigation,” Shea tweeted Sunday morning.
In its Patrol Guide, the department prohibits officers from “endorsing political candidates or publicly expressing personal views and opinions” about candidates while on duty or in uniform.
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New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio also weighed in on the incident and commented via his Twitter account on Sunday.
“Let me be clear: ANY NYPD Officer pushing ANY political agenda while on duty will face consequences,” the mayor wrote. “We will act fast here, and this will not be tolerated.”
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