About a dozen officers from the San Antonio Police Department in Texas are facing disciplinary action, after being featured in a video wearing the signature “Make America Great Again” hats of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.
The video, which shows police officers in red hats exchanging handshakes and taking photos with Trump before he boards his plane, was tweeted by Trump on Tuesday. At least 14 officers from a motorcycle unit were wearing the red hats, the San Antonio Express-News reports.
The officers’ behavior drew criticism from many who said they violated police policy by showing support for a political candidate.
“The officers wearing the campaign hats while in uniform violated SAPD policy and will be disciplined appropriately. SAPD officers are charged with protecting the entire community,” Police Chief William McManus said in a statement. “The officers displayed poor judgment. I expect them to know better than to give the appearance of endorsing a candidate while on duty and in uniform, regardless of the political campaign or the candidate.”
San Antonio Mayor Ivy Taylor said she was “deeply disappointed” by the officers’ “lack of judgment.”
“Police must be above politics & serve everyone equally,” she said in a tweet Tuesday night.
“Everything they do should send that message and today’s actions did not,” she added.