A Hispanic Miami police captain who claimed he’s a black male — not Hispanic — last week has been suspended and is now the subject of an investigation.
Javier Ortiz made the comment to a black city commissioner, among others, during a meeting in which Miami’s black police union expressed its objections to a lack of promotions, among other issues, according to the Miami Herald.
Ortiz made the controversial remark last week after the president of Community Police Benevolent Association cited Ortiz being promoted even though numerous complaints had been filed against him.
“I’m a black male. Yes, I am. And I am not Hispanic,” Ortiz reportedly said in response, garnering a swift wave of backlash.
Amid the controversy, Ortiz tweeted last Friday that his comment “isn’t news.”
“People love making stereotypes,” Ortiz wrote. “It’s actually refreshing to be who you are, like an American.”
Miami’s Deputy Police Chief, Ronald Papier, told the Herald that Ortiz has been suspended indefinitely amid an investigation, but did not specify what the probe is for.
Meanwhile, the president of Fraternal Order of Police union did not say whether his organization would defend Ortiz but would make sure he received fair treatment.
“I am embarrassed and saddened by Javier’s public comments,” said the president, Tommy Reyes, according to the Miami Herald.
“He can identify however he’d like, but I do not believe he is a black male. Ultimately, when the time comes it will be up to our members if he will receive representation.”
