SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio Police Chief William McManus said Tuesday that the officers seen wearing Donald Trump hats in a video posted to his Twitter account will be punished for violating department policy.
The officers were seen wearing Trump campaign hats with the “Make America Great Again” slogan on it.
"SAPD officers are charged with protecting the entire community. The officers displayed poor judgment,” McManus said. “I expect them to know better than to give the appearance of endorsing a candidate while on duty and in uniform, regardless of the political campaign, or the candidate.
Mayor Ivy Taylor echoed a similar sentiment writing on Twitter, "Deeply disappointed by @SATXPolice officers' lack of judgement today. Police must be above politics & serve everyone equally… Everything they do should send that message and today's actions did not. @SATXPolice @COSAGOV "
Trump campaigned in San Antonio and Dallas on Tuesday.
The chief did not elaborate on what the punishment the officers will face, but said they would “be disciplined appropriately.”
Thank you Texas! If you haven't registered to VOTE- today is your last day. Go to: https://t.co/HfihPEA3Sp & get out on 11/8/16 to #MAGA! pic.twitter.com/KlRx4GoO64
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 11, 2016
Deeply disappointed by @SATXPolice officers' lack of judgement today. Police must be above politics & serve everyone equally... @COSAGOV
— Ivy R Taylor (@IvyRTaylor) October 12, 2016
The San Antonio Police Officers Association responded saying in part, "The officers were most likely caught up in the moment and did not consider the political nature of their actions."
City Attorney Andy Segovia sent a letter to the Trump campaign requesting the video be removed from the campaign's social media channels.