A Port of Seattle police officer, Greg Anderson, was suspended by his department after posting a video on social media that went viral. The video speaks out against law enforcement officers in the U.S who are enforcing “tyrannical orders” imposed amid coronavirus lockdowns. This video was directed at his fellow officers across the nation, expressing his concerns.
“I’ve seen officers nationwide enforcing tyrannical orders against the people and I’m hoping it’s the minority of officers, but I’m not sure anymore.” Anderson said. He goes on to say every time he turns on the television people are getting arrested or cited for going to church, traveling on the roadways, going surfing, opening their businesses, going to the park with their families, or using their homes for businesses.
He says officers need to start looking at themselves and thinking ‘is what i’m doing right?’ Wherever you stand in regards to coronavirus, police officers don’t have the authority to do those things to people just because a mayor or governor tells you otherwise. This is trampling on people’s liberties and unconstitutional.
Anderson’s message went viral and he recently reported an update to his Instagram account that he had been placed on administrative leave by the Port of Seattle Police department pending an investigation. The Port of Seattle Police Chief Rod Covey confirmed this paid suspension on the department’s website. “Greg has always had the ability to express his opinions on what is going on in the country like all other Americans. However, he is not allowed to do so while on duty, wearing our uniform, wearing our badge, and while driving our patrol car.” Covey writes.
The Police Chief writes that he supports Greg’s right to talk about these issues as long as he did so while not claiming any affiliation to the police department. Being that he followed this course of action, his actions were outside of well-established policy. Other media networks were notified that Greg was informed that his reason for termination was due to insubordination for refusing to take down his Instagram video. The command, at first, had told Greg he carried such a powerful message. A relief to Greg. Fast forward three hours later when the video was up to 400,000 views, they then told him it was time to “pull the plug on this thing.”
Greg says he couldn’t afford to lose his job. He has three little kids, a house, and another house. A GoFundMe page was launched for Anderson and his family. The funds were to go towards “legal representation and to help cover any costs that the unforeseen future brings during this drastic change to our lives.” The campaign has raised more than $278,000 surpassing the goal of raising $50,000.
You know things are getting bad when police officers who notice blatant corruption go public due to human rights violations. Democrats want a civil war amidst COVID-19 and this is exactly what tyranny looks like.
