A viral video circulated on social media of a Chicago police officer reacting to protesters by yelling a homophobic slur. As the video shows, the slur was yelled in response to a plastic traffic cone being thrown toward the officer wearing a helmet.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot, is one of the first out queer Black women in office anywhere in the United States. In a recent press conference she shared, "We will not tolerate profanity and homophobic comments that demean the badge, demean the honor of being a Chicago police officer, and demean the value of who we are as Chicagoans. We will not tolerate that."
“If you are one of those officers who choose to do those things, or to tape over their badges, or to turn off their body-worn cameras — all things that violate very clear directives of the Chicago Police Department — we will find you, we will identify you, and we will strip you of your police powers. Period."
Swift action was brought by the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA.) The oversight agency recommends that CPD Superintendent David Brown identify the officer and modify his duty status or relieve him of police power. Equality Illinois, the state’s largest LGBTQ+ advocacy organization approved of COPA’s action.
“There is no place for homophobia among those who are charged with protecting our city,” said Brian Johnson, Equality Illinois CEO. The Chicago Police Department said in a statement: “A complaint of misconduct has been received regarding this incident, and we immediately opened an investigation, which is now underway.
“We do not tolerate this kind of behavior, which is why we have opened an investigation into this incident and will take appropriate disciplinary action immediately as we work to identify the officer involved” the statement continued.
Watch the Video Below: