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| Cop Accused of Slur Against Muslim Congressman |
| 2007-03-03 |
| A Minneapolis police lieutenant faces an internal investigation into recent comments that fellow officers say implied that U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison is a terrorist. The comments allegedly were made during a required police ethics training class this week by Lt. Bob Kroll, according to Mayor R.T. Rybak. In a highly unusual move, Chief Tim Dolan sent an e-mail to all employees saying the comments were unacceptable and unflattering to the department. Dolan also issued a public apology to Ellison, a Democrat from Minneapolis and the first Muslim elected to Congress. Kroll, an officer with Minneapolis for 18 years and vice president of the Police Federation, denied Thursday that he called Ellison a terrorist or that he even mentioned him by name during the class. Kroll will remain on duty during the internal investigation. He said he'd be "a little smarter than that" -- than to make such comments with his boss and the deputy chief of professional standards in the room. Rybak said the comments are "shockingly ignorant" if it's true Kroll made them. On Thursday, Ellison said: "The alleged comments don't reflect the diversity of our city, or the warm embracing attitudes of those who live in the Fifth District. I'm grateful to Mayor Rybak and Chief Dolan for setting the right tone. The alleged comments don't reflect the Minneapolis Police Department, who I respect as well." A political target Since Ellison became a candidate for Minnesota's Fifth Congressional District last year, his religion has made him a target of accusations from political opponents. After Ellison was elected in November, a national talk show host asked him if he was working with "our enemies." The exact comments that Kroll made while participating in the class were not spelled out by Dolan or Rybak. But two officers present at Tuesday's ethics training class, who spoke on condition that they not be named, said Kroll made a remark about "being at war with Islamic terrorists" and that "one was elected to Congress." When an officer angered by the comment asked if he was calling Ellison a terrorist, Kroll said, "He's Islamic and we are at war with the Islamic," the two officers said. In his e-mail, Dolan also wrote that Kroll questioned the ethics of any city that would hire a city coordinator convicted of a misdemeanor crime. Kroll said he made a statement about Rybak's appointments but never mentioned a specific position. City Coordinator Steven Bosacker, who had a misdemeanor conviction of indecent conduct in 2000, declined to comment. Said Kroll: "I think the chief has been given an inaccurate account. When the investigation is over, I'll be cleared of any wrongdoing." Rybak said he was pleased that Dolan denounced the comments and demanded that the Police Federation "step up" and do the same. "The Federation can't be silent at a critical time, because these ignorant comments do not reflect the values of this city," Rybak said. Sgt. John Delmonico, president of the Police Federation, said the allegations are serious and it would be unacceptable for anyone, let alone a federation board member, to say them. He called Dolan's department-wide e-mail unprecedented, because the matter is under investigation. In the e-mail, Dolan said it was appropriate that classmates challenged Kroll's comments. "As a department, we must keep ourselves accountable while adhering to high standards of respect in matters of diversity," he wrote. "The comment not only offends a U.S. representative duly elected by the citizens of Minnesota, but more importantly, it offends our own officers of Muslim faith." In February, Kroll finished serving a 20-day suspension for his involvement in an off-duty fight. He said the suspension is being appealed. Alleged incident last year Council Member Ralph Remington said Thursday that he was not surprised to hear about Kroll's alleged comments. "I am surprised, though, that he said it in such an open venue with so many people present, if this is true," he said. Last year, Remington publicly accused Kroll and three other police union officials of intimidating him during a meeting at an Uptown restaurant. During the discussion about council oversight of police, Remington said the mood quickly turned intense and the officers' manner was "aggressive and meant to intimidate." The officers have denied the claim. Ron Edwards, co-chair of the Police Community Relations Council, said the recently promoted lieutenant "has been out of control for a long time ... and he's been rewarded with promotions time and time again." He concluded that "I seriously think he won't be punished." |
| Posted by:tipper |
| #6 Last I knew, truth was a justifiable defense to a claim of libel. |
| Posted by: mac 2007-03-03 17:05 |
| #5 Where have you been? The 1st only applies if your a leftist, democrat, criminal, or member of a certain murderous religion. |
| Posted by: CrazyFool 2007-03-03 15:58 |
| #4 not in Dhimmiapolis |
| Posted by: Frank G 2007-03-03 15:56 |
| #3 Fool! Your 1st amendment is powerless against the rightful wrath of the Forces of Progress! I feel a sensivity class coming your way! |
| Posted by: anonymous5089 2007-03-03 15:54 |
| #2 Last time I looked, first amendment applies to police training classes too. |
| Posted by: Robjack 2007-03-03 15:41 |
| #1 Last time I looked, first ammendment applies to police training classes too. |
| Posted by: Robjack 2007-03-03 15:41 |