(Memphis) A Memphis police officer got in trouble after making remarks on his Twitter account against the Ku Klux Klan. It happened during the group’s rally over Easter weekend when the FBI was monitoring social media.
The police department found Officer Brian Hall’s comments unacceptable and potentially dangerous.
He’s a professional fighter and an undefeated boxer, but when it comes to his law enforcement career, Brian “The Law” Hall just got his first black eye.
“I think it was one of these incidents where he did it in a spur of the moment kind of thing and wasn`t thinking,” said friend and business associate David Ferguson.
Hall spoke his mind when the KKK came to town, and what he said online caught the FBI’s attention.
Hall, who was not on duty at the time, tweeted, “If anyone has bombs, they are on bus 4004,” as well as “Bags of rocks for sale $19.99, large bag $29.99 and a family bag of bricks $59.00. This will be sold at the KKK rally”.
It was supposed to be a joke, but the FBI didn’t find it funny, while the City of Memphis was spending thousands of dollars trying to keep people safe.
“I think everyone was a little frustrated and rightfully so, but I think Brian just took it a little too far,” said Ferguson.
Ferguson owns Memphis Judo and Jiu-Jitsu where Hall is a coach.
“He teaches beginners mixed martial arts classes here. He is a leader here at the school and everybody loves him,” Ferguson said.
Ferguson calls Hall a “social media master,” who is building a name for himself in professional fighting, but this was definitely a learning lesson for Hall as a police officer.
“He was very contrite about it,” said Ferguson. “He was very apologetic. He knows he made a big mistake.
Hall is already back on the job after serving a ten-day suspension. He is vowing never to post anything online again about his law enforcement job.
The Memphis Police Department issued this statement today: “The officer acted in an unprofessional manner that is unacceptable. We expect our officers to conduct themselves in the highest regard and make good, sound decisions”.
Hall has been with the department for ten years and, besides two minor fender benders, he’s had a clean record. He is currently assigned to the Old Allen Station.
