NEW YORK — The Sergeants Benevolent Association has accused NYPD top brass of a “double standard” after an officer was suspended for broadcasting “Trump 2020” over a patrol-car loudspeaker — while his boss was praised for taking a knee with Black Lives Matter protesters.
“The NYPD has a history of officers making political & outside the norm statements & ignoring it,” the SBA tweeted Sunday amid the investigation into Saturday’s incident in Brooklyn.
“Suspending this officer is unnecessary & way over the top. Chief of Department took a knee with protestors no disciplinary action was issued,” the SBA said of Terence Monahan.
The NYPD has a history of officers making political & outside the norm statements & ignoring it. Suspending, this officer is unnecessary & way over the top. Chief of Departrnent took a knee with protestors no disciplinary action was issued. What if the officer supported Biden? https://t.co/svklwHo5Ey pic.twitter.com/6TfUO397mO
— SBA (@SBANYPD) October 25, 2020
The union then took even more direct aim at Monahan, retweeting his claim that officers have to “remain apolitical” — along with a New York Post photo of him taking a knee with George Floyd protesters on June 1.
When you wear our uniform it is imperative to remain apolitical.
Behavior like this will not be tolerated and will be dealt with.
An update will be provided to the public. https://t.co/GTfC7BF5Sx
— Chief Terence Monahan (@NYPDChiefofDept) October 25, 2020
“What’s the status of this investigation? Oh wait double standard white shirt immunity!” the SBA tweeted.
What’s the status of this investigation? Oh wait double standard white shirt immunity! https://t.co/VVmxRxtFX8 pic.twitter.com/cJxY9Tdv9X
— SBA (@SBANYPD) October 25, 2020
“Terence you said nothing when Captains & Chiefs took a knee with violent protesters who injured members of the NYPD. You say nothing to those who sing & dance in uniform,” New York Post reported.
“Now your little itsy-bitsy balls are in DeBlasio’s palm & you tweet nonsense. Relax & take a knee!” the union raged.
Terence you said nothing when Captains & Chiefs took a knee with violent protesters who injured members of the NYPD. You say nothing to those who sing & dance in uniform. Now your little itsy-bitsy balls are in DeBlasio’s palm & you tweet nonsense. Relax & take a knee! https://t.co/MHC0Hk1Bpj pic.twitter.com/kUjrq5Uu5o
— SBA (@SBANYPD) October 25, 2020
Monahan had joined Police Commissioner Dermot Shea as well as Mayor Bill de Blasio in condemning videos that showed the officer repeatedly saying “Trump 2020” in Flatbush on Saturday night.
The officer, whom police sources identified as Arthur Becerra of the 70th Precinct, was suspended without pay Sunday.
The SBA said officers are “rightfully” supporting the president.
Police Officers across the nation are advocating for TRUMP and rightfully so. The Democratic Party has abandoned police officers, encouraged violence and lawlessness. People are being murdered in Democratic run cities. @realDonaldTrump @DonaldJTrumpJr @EricTrump ?????????????? https://t.co/l29B4e18mA
— SBA (@SBANYPD) October 25, 2020
“The Democratic Party has abandoned police officers, encouraged violence and lawlessness. People are being murdered in Democratic run cities,” the union wrote, tagging President Trump as well as his sons Eric and Don Jr.