By Jamie Goldberg, Tribune Washington Bureau –
WASHINGTON — The Washington, D.C., police department is investigating allegations that an officer who works as a motorcycle escort for the White House made threatening comments directed toward first lady Michelle Obama.
The officer was moved to administrative leave after he allegedly said he would shoot the first lady, using his phone to display a picture of the firearm he would use, according to The Washington Post, which quoted unnamed police officials.
“We received an allegation that inappropriate comments were made. We are currently investigating the nature of those comments,” D.C. police spokeswoman Gwendolyn Crump said in a statement.
The D.C. police would not release the name of the officer and declined to discuss the investigation further.
District of Columbia Police Chief Cathy Lanier told The Associated Press on Friday that there are conflicting reports about what was said.
Crump said that Lanier was referring to inaccurate information reported by Fox 5, the District of Columbia Fox affiliate and not information reported by the Post.
The Secret Service has been informed about the alleged comments.
“We are aware of the situation and we are conducting an appropriate follow-up,” said George Ogilvie, spokesperson for the Secret Service.
