LOS ANGELES (AP) – The Los Angeles Police Department launched an internal investigation after a police officer reported that a photo of George Floyd with the words “You take my breath away” in Valentine’s Day format was released among police officers.
Police chief Michel Moore said on Saturday that investigators will try to determine how the image might have arrived at the workplace and who might be involved, the Los Angeles Times said. reported. Moore said the official who made the complaint will be interviewed on Monday.
“Our investigation aims to determine the accuracy of the allegations and, at the same time, reinforce our zero tolerance for anything with racist views,” said Moore.
Floyd, a black man, died last May after a Minneapolis police officer pressed a knee to his neck while Floyd repeatedly said, “I can’t breathe.” His death sparked massive protests across the country against racial injustice and police brutality.
Ben Crump, a lawyer for the Floyd family, said on Monday that the family is outraged.
“This is beyond insulting an injury – it is an injury upon death. The kind of insensitivity and cruelty within a person’s soul needed to do something like that is beyond comprehension – and is indicative of a much bigger problem within the LAPD culture, ”said Crump. “We demand that everyone involved be held responsible for their revolting behavior and that an apology be made to the family immediately.”
If the investigation confirms that the LAPD police were circulating the image, “people will find my anger,” said the police chief.
The Times reported that Moore also confirmed that the department is investigating two anonymous Instagram accounts, allegedly linked to department employees – including a so-called “Blue Line Mafia”.