Chicago police are investigating an officer who was recorded on cellphone video using a homophobic slur during downtown protests following the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd, The Chicago Sun-Times reported.
In the video, the officer is heard using the slur after a traffic cone and barricade were thrown in his direction while his back was turned.
The Civilian Office of Police Accountability said in a statement that it recommended that Supt. David Brown identify and suspend the officer in the video, as well as launch an investigation into the circumstances of the event recorded.
In a statement Windy City Times obtained, Equality Illinois CEO Brian C. Johnson said, "We recently became aware of a disturbing video of a uniformed CPD officer calling a protester a 'f****t.' We believe in keeping the focus on what the protests are primarily about: our society cannot tolerate police brutality against African-Americans, including queer and trans African Americans. But we want to add unequivocally, there is no place for homophobia among those who are charged with protecting our city. This officer must be removed from duty.
"We applaud Mayor Lightfoot for her strong statement last night saying police using homophobic language will not be tolerated. We are also encouraged by the statement released today by the Civilian Office of Police Accountability recommending that the officer in the video be relieved of police power.
"We now call on Superintendent David Brown to swiftly identify this officer so that he can be removed from patrolling the streets."