Valentine’s Day Photo Mocking George Floyd’s Death Triggers LAPD Investigation
A billboard honoring George Floyd is seen during a birthday celebration for Floyd at a memorial site known as "George Floyd Square" on October 14, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
A photo of George Floyd, who was killed by a Minneapolis police officer last year, had been made into a Valentine's Day meme featuring the words, "You take my breath away," and it circulated among members of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD).
According to a CNN report, the LAPD is now investigating whether their employees are involved in sharing or even creating the offensive Valentine's Day-themed photo.
Related article: 4 Ex-Minneapolis Cops Involved in George Floyd's Death to Be Tried Together
George Floyd's Photo is Themed for Valentine's Day
In one of its Twitter posts, the LAPD said it was aware of the reported image and allegations that it was authorized by "a department employee."
The LAPD added that a personnel complaint has already been initiated, and they are pursuing each allegation, including interviewing the department member who brought it to their attention.
ABC News reported that the LAPD has not yet identified the actual postings, how it circulated, or if it was created by one of their employees as of Sunday.
The report added that the department had asked directors to search their worksites for more info. It is still unknown how the photo circulated or where it originated.
According to a Crime Online report, LAPD Chief Michel Moore said they are investigating two Instagram accounts connected to the photo, including one called "Blue Line Mafia."
Moore also told the Los Angeles Times that their investigation was to determine the allegations' accuracy while also reinforcing zero tolerance for anything with racist views.
On the other hand, Capt. Stacy Spell told CNN that they do not know the source of the George Floyd's photo, whether on social media, email or in another form.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office announced that they also would review the incident to "determine if the integrity of any of their cases may have been compromised by biased police work."
In a statement, District Attorney George Gascón said that "celebrating the murder of a Black man at the hands of police demonstrate a profound absence of humanity."
"The mock valentine underscores the highly problematic, and frankly, racist perceptions that pervade the law enforcement culture regarding the communities we are sworn to protect and serve," Gascón added.
George Floyd's Family on the Issue
The attorney who represents George Floyd's family, Ben Crump, demanded an apology addressed to the family, adding that everyone involved in the alleged meme must be held accountable.
In a statement released on Monday, Crump said the photo is beyond insult "on top of injury -- it's injury on top of death." Crump added that "the callousness and cruelty within a person's soul needed to do something like this evades comprehension," and it indicates "a much larger problem within the culture of the LAPD."
George Floyd died in May last year after a cop knelt on his neck for over eight minutes. Several cameras filmed the incident and showed Floyd crying out, "I can't breathe," before he died.
Read also: Teen Who Filmed George Floyd's Murder to Receive a Courage Award