LAPD officer holds guns in wedding photos amid lawsuit against chief over social media demand
In a recent turn of events, a Los Angeles police officer who had previously sued the police chief for allegedly blocking her promotions due to her firearm-heavy social media presence has now posted photos of herself holding a semiautomatic firearm at her wedding.
Officer Toni McBride Clashes with Chief Over Social Media Content
Officer Toni McBride, a trained sharpshooter who earned the “Top Shot” title at the LAPD police academy, found herself in a legal battle with Chief Michel Moore. McBride claimed that the chief had personally blocked her promotions because she refused to remove videos and photos of herself at shooting competitions and firing ranges from her social media accounts.
Wedding Photos Reignite Controversy
Just two days after filing an amended complaint in her lawsuit against Chief Moore and the LAPD, McBride posted photos on social media that showed her holding a JW3 TTI MPX Taran Tactical 9mm semiautomatic firearm alongside her husband and wedding party. This move has reignited the controversy surrounding her social media presence and her stance on firearm ownership and use.
Lawsuit Alleges Discrimination and Violation of Free Speech
In her lawsuit, McBride argues that she is being targeted for speaking out to her 123,000 Instagram followers on an issue of public concern – the safe ownership and use of firearms. She also claims that she is being discriminated against due to her gender, asserting that male officers routinely post similar content without facing consequences.
City Dismisses Claims of Public Concern
The city has moved to dismiss McBride’s complaint, stating that she has not cited any posts that constitute statements concerning matters of “public concern.” In court papers, city attorney Keimer Raymond argued, “If the Court were to accept Plaintiff’s contention that any statement involving ‘gender’ and ‘guns’ is speech concerning a matter of ‘public concern’, then by way of example, photos of LAPD officers in bathing suits holding weapons would be statements of ‘public concern.'”
Background on McBride’s Shooting Incident
McBride first gained attention in April 2020 when she shot and killed 38-year-old Daniel Hernandez, who came toward her carrying a box cutter after she responded to a car crash. Although McBride was ultimately cleared of any wrongdoing in the shooting, the Los Angeles Police Commission found that she violated department policy in the final two shots she fired when Hernandez was rolling on the ground.
McBride’s Family Ties to Law Enforcement
It is worth noting that McBride is the daughter of Jamie McBride, the outspoken vice president of the Los Angeles Police Protective League. Her father was involved in six police shootings, none of which were fatal, during his first 11 years on the job.
Conclusion
The ongoing legal battle between Officer Toni McBride and Chief Michel Moore highlights the complex intersections of social media, free speech, and police accountability. As the case progresses, it will be closely watched by those concerned with issues of gender equality, firearm regulation, and the boundaries of free expression for law enforcement officers.
FAQs
- What was the reason behind Officer Toni McBride’s lawsuit against Chief Michel Moore? Officer Toni McBride alleged that Chief Michel Moore blocked her promotions because she refused to remove videos and photos of herself at shooting competitions and firing ranges from her social media accounts.
- What kind of photos did McBride post after filing an amended complaint in her lawsuit? McBride posted photos of herself holding a semiautomatic firearm at her wedding, alongside her husband and wedding party.
- What is McBride’s main argument in her lawsuit? McBride argues that she is being targeted for speaking out on the safe ownership and use of firearms, which she considers a matter of public concern. She also claims gender discrimination, asserting that male officers routinely post similar content without facing consequences.
- How did the city respond to McBride’s claims? The city moved to dismiss McBride’s complaint, arguing that her posts do not constitute statements concerning matters of “public concern.”
- What is McBride’s connection to the Los Angeles Police Protective League? McBride is the daughter of Jamie McBride, the outspoken vice president of the Los Angeles Police Protective League, who was involved in six police shootings during his first 11 years on the job.
