WASHINGTON — A Miami police officer is facing disciplinary action after he was photographed wearing a Trump mask while in uniform at a polling place.
Steve Simeonidis, the chairman of Miami-Dade Democrats, tweeted a photo on Tuesday of the officer and accused him of voter intimidation while inside the Stephen P. Clark Government Center in Downtown Miami.
"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," the tweet read. "This is city funded voter intimidation. Ubeda should be suspended immediately."
After intense backlash from the community, city officials condemned the officer's actions and promised disciplinary action.
"We are aware of the photograph being circulated of a Miami Police officer wearing a political mask in uniform," the Miami Police Department said in a statement. "This behavior is unacceptable, a violation of departmental policy, and is being addressed immediately."
Miami Mayor Francis Suarez told CBS Miami that the officer was voting and not working when the picture was taken. He added that all Miami police officers can vote in uniform but they are not allowed to wear anything with party affiliation.
The mayor said he spoke with Police Chief Jorge Colina and the officer is being disciplined. However, he did not specifically address how since the incident is still being investigated.
The Miami Police Department's policies claim that members and employees should "avoid all religious and political discussions or arguments." They are also not allowed to "make use of the influence of their office for political reasons" and are discouraged from taking part in any "political activity, management, affair, or circulate political or election petitions while on duty."