Cop Facing Discipline For Wearing Trump Mask While Voting

Miami, FL – A uniformed Miami police officer who wore a face mask supporting President Trump while he cast his ballot at a local polling station will be disciplined for violating department policy, the city’s mayor announced on Tuesday.

Miami-Dade Democratic Party Chair Attorney Steve Simeonidis tweeted a photo on Oct. 20 showing Miami Police Officer Daniel Ubeda wearing the mask at the Government Center polling location, WPLG reported.

“Trump 2020,” the red, white, and blue facemask read. “No More Bulls—t.”

Officer Ubeda was waiting in line to vote when the photo was taken, Miami Mayor Francis Suarez said during a press conference later in the day.

“Here is @CityofMiami Police Officer Daniel Ubeda, in full uniform with badge and gun wearing his Trump mask inside of the polling location in government center,” Simeonidis captioned the photo. “This is city funded voter intimidation. Ubeda should be suspended immediately.”

Suarez said he was unsure whether the officer was on duty when the photo was taken, but said the mask he was wearing violated department policy either way, WPLG reported.

“The City of Miami and the Miami Police Department do not support or endorse any candidate for political party or elected office,” the mayor told reporters. “It is our mission to provide impartial police services to everyone, regardless of political affiliation.”

Suarez said that the officer hadn’t broken any rules by voting while in uniform, but that he was not allowed to display anything politically-related while in uniform, WPLG reported.

“His actions have violated departmental policy, and he will be disciplined,” the mayor assured reporters.

Miami Commissioner Ken Russell said in a tweet that he contacted the city’s chief of police about the photo.

“There should be no police presence at polling locations unless they have been called for an emergency,” Russell wrote. “There should be no political messaging as part of our officers’ uniforms.”

The Miami Police Department (MPD) issued a tweet on Tuesday, calling Officer Ubeda’s behavior “unacceptable.”

“We are aware of the photograph being circulated of a Miami Police officer wearing a political mask in uniform,” the message read. “This behavior is unacceptable, a violation of departmental policy, and is being addressed immediately.”