There was no hiding it. A Miami police officer was out in the open showing his support for Donald Trump today. Problem is, he was in uniform and in a polling place. And in a case of bad timing on his part, the Miami Herald writes “The person who saw and photographed him was Steve Simeonidis, chairman of the Miami-Dade Democratic party.”
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.
This is city funded voter intimidation.
Ubeda should be suspended immediately. pic.twitter.com/TbJxu6mcem
— Steve Simeonidis (@stevesimeonidis) October 20, 2020
The Herald goes on to say:
The backlash from his department was swift. Miami’s police chief, shown the photo posted on social media, said Officer Daniel Ubeda would be disciplined, though exactly how had not been determined.
Deputy Police Chief Ron Papier added, “Obviously this is a clear violation of our department policy regarding campaigning… Additionally, the mask has offensive language, which is also a violation of department policy.”
We are aware of the photograph being circulated of a Miami Police officer wearing a political mask in uniform. This behavior is unacceptable, a violation of departmental policy, and is being addressed immediately. pic.twitter.com/E3eO0IQh0f
— Miami PD (@MiamiPD) October 20, 2020
The pressure is on to fire him.
Pursuant to Florida FSA § 102.031, it is illegal for any Electioneering, or active participation in a campaign, to take place within 100 ft of an entrance to a polling location. Officer Ubeda is violating the law, @MiamiPD-he needs to be removed/replaced or the city can be sued. pic.twitter.com/9J7cGT7Rpn
— Amee Vanderpool (@girlsreallyrule) October 20, 2020
Erm, it’s not just a violation of departmental policy, it’s against the law for him to be there without the police being called and it’s against the law to display political slogans and advertising.
Two laws broken by one of your officers.
He’d better be fired.
— Robbie “Always In Quarantine” Wallis (@Robbie_Wallis1) October 20, 2020
On the flip side, Ubeda became an instant hero to Trump supporters.
The miami police dept does not stand w officer Ubeda, he is breaking the law and u are encouraging it. Voting precincts are safe zones. Go encourage breaking the law elsewhere. Stay out of miami https://t.co/j5jKEo6LOP
— Al Cardenas (@AlCardenasFL_DC) October 20, 2020
Watch more from CBS Miami above.
