JUST IN: APD concludes investigation of ‘I Can’t Breathe’ masked pig display in police cruiser

The Alexandria Police Department has concluded its investigation into the masked pig wearing an “I can’t Breathe” shirt inside a police cruiser, the department announced Wednesday night.

Last month, video surfaced by citizen journalism page Alexandria Accountability showing an Alexandria Police Department vehicle with the display in the cruiser’s passenger seat. The display prompted a condemnation from the Alexandria NAACP, and gained the attention of Fox 5, NBC4 Washington, and National Public Radio.

The department then launched an investigation into the matter.

While there was no criminal act committed, APD said there were violations of APD directives and City policies. The department also said that the “matter was handled administratively and thoroughly investigated by APD’s Office of Professional Responsibility.”

The officer assigned to the cruiser was not named, and APD said that the incident, “emphasizes the need to recommit to the important training of our officers.”

APD continued, “This case is now proceeding through City personnel processes and APD cannot comment on the case findings. However, the Alexandria Police Department does not condone, nor tolerate, any behavior contrary to its policies and procedures.”

The words “I Can’t Breathe” are the last words of Eric Garner, an unarmed Black man killed by a New York City Police Officer in 2014, and were said later by George Floyd in 2020 when he was murdered by Minneapolis Police officer Derek Chauvin.

APD also asked residents to convey concerns to policeoversight@alexandriava.gov.