Update (February 5, 2019): The Los Angeles Police Department says a man caught yelling “white power” at a Black Lives Matter rally while wearing its gear is not a member of the force.
“We have identified the individual in question related to a video involving the use of racially insensitive remarks,” the LAPD tweeted. “As first suggested by some, this individual is not, and has never been, an LAPD officer or employee.”
We have identified the individual in question related to a video involving the use of racially insensitive remarks. As first suggested by some, this individual is not, and has never been, an LAPD officer or employee. https://t.co/rHLAssqoWu
— LAPD HQ (@LAPDHQ) February 1, 2019
LAPD also had an explanation for the man’s LAPD shirt.
“The apparel worn by the individual, specifically the T-shirt with LAPD insignia, is not Department issued and is accessible to the public,” the department wrote. “We will be working with our Entertainment Trademark Unit to ensure violations of our trademark on apparel are addressed.”
The apparel worn by the individual, specifically the T-shirt with LAPD insignia, is not Department issued and is accessible to the public. We will be working with our Entertainment Trademark Unit to ensure violations of our trademark on apparel are addressed.
— LAPD HQ (@LAPDHQ) February 1, 2019
Original: The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has launched an investigation after a video of a man in LAPD gear yelling “white power” was posted on social media.
Black Lives Matter (BLM) Los Angeles posted video footage of the man on its social media pages Thursday. The man, who appears to be Asian, can be seen standing outside of a gym as he yells the phrase at a group of protesters, reports The Los Angeles Times. He was filmed wearing a shirt with LAPD logos adorning his sleeves and chest.
LAPD OFFICER REPEATEDLY YELLS “WHITE POWER” & THROWS UP WHITE POWER SIGN as he antagonizes the family of #AlbertRamonDorsey and #BlackLivesMatter protestors this morning at #Boycott24 demonstration outside 24-Hour Fitness in Hollywood. @WP4BL
@shaunking
@Jasmyne
@CBSNews
pic.twitter.com/EnLTG2yfRm— #BlackLivesMatter-LA (@BLMLA) January 31, 2019
BLM was at the location to protest the death of Albert Ramon Dorsey, who was shot and killed by police in the gym’s locker room. After the man shouted “white power” and threw up a hand sign, the protesters demanded a badge number as he walked away.
“This off-duty LAPD officer was working out there this morning and decided to harass us after his workout,” BLM-LA wrote on Facebook. “The dozen or so on-duty officers that had been called in by 24 [Hour Fitness] held to the blue line and watched as this cop tried to intimidate us. This is what 24 Hour Fitness policies protect as they engage police to murder our people. This is what LAPD practice and condones.”
The LAPD confirmed it is investigating to determine if the man belongs to the force, reports KTLA. Department officials also claimed officers attempted to confront the man, but he ran away before he could be apprehended.
We have become aware of an incident involving an individual making racially discriminating remarks in front of a gym in Hollywood this morning.
— LAPD HQ (@LAPDHQ) January 31, 2019
At this point it does NOT appear that the individual in the video is an LAPD Officer, but we will continue to investigate.
— LAPD HQ (@LAPDHQ) February 1, 2019
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