Alabama cop demoted, suspended for rap video lyrics referencing choking someone
Published 11:47 am Wednesday, July 22, 2020
An Alabama police officer was suspended and demoted after he posted a video of himself rapping a song with controversial lyrics.
Homewood police officer Jon Newland received a three-day suspension and was demoted from corporal to officer, news outlets reported Tuesday. Newland was also moved from the department’s training division back to patrol.
In the video posted on Newland’s Instagram page, which has since been deactivated, the officer rapped, “I wear black and blue, professional gunslinger, rap singer too.”
At the end of the 55-second video, Newland sang “my ways are a blaze of mysterious smoke, around your neck I flex this choke.”
Newland posted the video in May, nine days before the death George Floyd, who was killed by Minneapolis police officer.
Homewood police Sgt. John Carr said officials were made aware of the video June 18.
Carr said Newland was not on duty when the video was posted nor was he “representing himself as a Homewood Police officer in any official capacity.” Carr also said the lyrics were not a reflection of the department.
Newland has since returned to work, AL.Com reported.
It’s unclear whether Newland will appeal the decision. Carr did not immediately respond to requests for comment.