An NYPD officer who was caught on video sounding support for President Donald Trump over his patrol car’s loudspeaker Saturday night has been suspended without pay, the department announced Sunday afternoon.
“The police officer who is under investigation for using a department vehicle’s loud speaker for political purposes has been suspended, effective immediately,” the NYPD wrote on Twitter.
The department said it was aware of the incident Sunday morning after multiple videos captured an officer saying, “Trump 2020. Put it on YouTube, put it on Facebook. Trump 2020.”
The marked cruiser was filmed while on patrol in Brooklyn’s Flatbush neighborhood.
The suspension comes less than a week after NYPD Chief of Department Terence Monahan said officers were prepared to protect the integrity of election sites, adding, “When we put on this uniform, we are apolitical. We have no stance one way or another.”
NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea said the act was, “One hundred percent unacceptable. Period.”
“Law enforcement must remain apolitical; it is essential in our role to serve ALL New Yorkers regardless of any political beliefs,” Shea wrote on Twitter. “It is essential for New Yorkers to trust their police.”
Before the NYPD announced the repercussions, Mayor Bill de Blasio weighed in — saying, “Any NYPD officer pushing ANY political agenda while on duty will face consequences. We will act fast here, and this will not be tolerated.”
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