Today, the Muslim Public Affairs Council, the Shura Council of Southern California, and the Los Angeles chapter of the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA) delivered a letter to the Los Angeles Police Department Commissioner. We held a press conference calling for an investigation of LAPD’s current and prior engagement with the State of Israel and demand for the LAPD to disengage from conducting joint training programs and the use of invasive surveillance technology developed by Israeli companies to spy on Angelenos without warrants.

In addition, we called for an audit of a series of social media posts from members of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) that express support for Israel’s current onslaught and genocide of the Palestinian people. 

The most egregious of these posts show a member of the Los Angeles Police Department dressed with LAPD insignia, apparently at an Israeli military facility, posing next to military equipment and a bomb, inscribed with the phrase  “Happy Minyan enjoy the fireworks” and a heart. This uncomfortably mirrors the content shared by members of the IDF in videos and media, depicting offensive and disrespectful behavior towards the civilian population, and perpetuating a dehumanizing narrative against Palestinians.

It is of utmost importance that those who are sworn to protect and serve our citizens honor their commitment to upholding the human and civil rights of all Angelenos, including the civilian Palestinian population of Los Angeles. 

We will continue fostering positive relationships and ensuring accountability from the Los Angeles Police Department.