Following an attempted assassination on former President Donald Trump, a Dallas police sergeant has been placed on administrative leave for allegedly posting “aim better” on social media over the weekend.
The Dallas Police Department issued a news release stating that they received an internal complaint on Saturday, July 13, regarding Sergeant Arturo Martinez’s comment on a social media platform.
The post was believed to be related to the shooting at Trump’s campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, which wounded Trump and two spectators and resulted in two deaths, including the shooter.
In response to the allegations, Sgt. Martinez was placed on leave pending the outcome of an internal affairs administrative investigation.
According to the Dallas Morning News, Martinez has been with the Dallas Police Department since 2010 and is currently assigned to the robbery unit. He serves as the secretary of the Dallas National Latino Law Enforcement Organization, one of the department’s largest officer associations.
Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia released a statement following Martinez’s leave on Monday.
“When I learned about the comment posted, ‘disappointed’ would be an understatement. If, indeed, the comment is true, it has no place in our society and certainly no place in law enforcement. I was appalled by what occurred on Saturday in Pennsylvania. The violence was unacceptable and has no place in our country. We are thankful former President Trump was not seriously injured. Our thoughts are with those injured on Saturday and with the family and friends of Corey Comperatore, who tragically lost his life. If confirmed, the comments made do not reflect the professionalism and dedication of the men and women of the Dallas Police Department.” – Chief Garcia
Federal officials reported that Trump had only just begun his speech at the rally when the shooter, Thomas Matthews Crooks, opened fire from an elevated position outside the venue. Secret Service agents quickly whisked Trump offstage after fatally shooting Crooks.
Corey Comperatore, 50, was identified as the victim who was killed during Saturday’s shooting. Authorities said he was a former fire chief who shielded his wife and daughter from the bullets.
David Dutch, 57, of New Kensington, Pennsylvania, and James Copenhaver, 74, of Moon Township, Pennsylvania, were identified as the two spectators injured in the shooting.
Texas U.S. Rep. Ronny Jackson stated on Sunday that his nephew was injured but fortunately not seriously.
Authorities reported that they accessed Crooks’ phone and searched his car and family residence in suburban Pittsburgh. However, efforts to understand the shooter’s motives have not yet yielded significant findings.
Trump, with a bandage on his right ear, made an appearance at the Republican National Convention two days after the incident. He received enthusiastic applause and is expected to deliver his nomination acceptance speech on Thursday.
