Shaker Police Officer Fired For Gesture At Cleveland Protesters

SHAKER HEIGHTS, OH — A Shaker Heights police officer has been fired for making a vulgar gesture toward protesters in downtown Cleveland.

The officer was working security in University Circle during the first presidential debate on Sept. 29. As a police vehicle rounded a corner, the officer extended his middle finger toward a crowd of Black Lives Matter protesters, Shaker Heights police said after the incident.

The officer was placed on administrative leave on Sept. 30 and an investigation was launched into his behavior. An internal pre-disciplinary hearing was held on Wednesday and the decision was made to fire the officer, Mayor David Weiss said.

"The City of Shaker Heights and the Shaker Heights Police Department moved promptly and decisively because we consider this incident a very serious matter. The behavior of this officer violates all that the SHPD stands for including our unwavering commitment to preserving the rights of Black Lives Matter and all demonstrators to peacefully protest," Weiss said in a statement to the community.

An internal report from the investigation into the officer showed he was chastised for his "impulsivity." Investigators said the officer's actions endangered protesters and other police during the Sept. 29 debate.

The internal report also suggests the officer has previously been disciplined for "impulsive" behavior and received extensive, specialized training to prevent these types of incident.

"As a Shaker Heights police officer for over 18 years, you should be keenly aware of the culture of the community you serve and that many citizens are allies to the Black Lives Matters movement. Your actions prove that, at the very least, you are indifferent to these concerns," the internal report said.

Weiss assured residents that Shaker Heights police are dedicated to "upholding the highest standards professional conduct and to the fair and equal protection of all individuals."

"We recognize that this incident has damaged the relationship between the police and the community. We have worked hard to build this relationship and earn your trust, and we will continue to do so. I hope that our actions in this case demonstrate our resolute commitment to treating and protecting all residents of Shaker Heights with dignity and respect, and in a just, fair, equal and professional manner," Weiss said.