A police officer in Michigan has been suspended with pay after he was spotted driving around with a confederate flag at an anti-Donald Trump protest on Sunday. He then parked his pick-up truck, cracked open a beer, and observed the protest. CBS News reports that the cop was off-duty while he was displaying the confederate flag.
Traverse City police chief Jeff O'Brien announced Sunday that the officer, Michael Peters, has been suspended and there will be an official internal investigation to determine if he violated any of the department's rules or any laws by driving around with a confederate flag during a peaceful protest.
O'Brien told the Traverse City Record-Eagle, "He [Peters] is not working as a police officer. I do not condone his actions." O'Brien also characterized Peters' actions as "intimidating" and not in keeping with the Traverse City police department's mission, according to the Record-Eagle.
In a Facebook post written Sunday morning, O'Brien told the citizens of Traverse City, "I hear you!" and "Let me assure you that we hold our officers to a higher standard and the flag incident will be fully investigated."
O'Brien added that Peters is entitled do "Due Process" and constitutional rights, noting that the investigation could take some time, but "cool heads will prevail."
O'Brien told the Record-Eagle that he's proud to be a member of the Traverse City community, adding, "We will get through this. The community will get through this."
Related Stories
Walmart Is Pulling All Confederate Flag Merchandise From Its Stores
One of the world's largest retailers takes a small step towards ending racism.
South Carolina Will Officially Bring Down the Confederate Flag From Its Capitol
After passing the House, the bill will now head directly to Governor Nikki Haley.
Watch Jon Stewart Take On Confederate Flag Defenders on 'The Daily Show'
Stewart took particular offense at defenders who often employ the "slippery slope" argument, calling the flag a "archaic symbol of racist insurrection."
