Michelle Obama Alleged Death Threat By DC Cop Under Investigation, Police Receive ‘Conflicting Reports’ About Comments

A Washington, D.C. police officer was moved to administrative duty on July 12 after he was allegedly overheard making threatening comments towards Michelle Obama, the Washington Post reported. The officer worked as a motorcycle escort for White House officials and other dignitaries.

The officer was overheard making the comments on July 11 while several officers from the Special Operations Division discussed threats against the Obamas. The police department's Internal Affairs Division is currently investigating these alleged comments and has alerted the U.S. Secret Service, anonymous officials told the Post.

It was not initially clear where the conversation took place or how many officers were involved. During the conversation, officials said to the Washington newspaper, the officer reportedly said that he would shoot the First Lady and then used his phone to show a photo of the firearm he said he would use. According to the Washington Post, it was not initially clear what type of firearm was shown.

An officer overheard this alleged threat and reported it immediately, the officials also said.

We received an allegation that inappropriate comments were made, D.C. police spokeswoman Gwendolyn Crump said to the Post in an e-mail. We are currently investigating the nature of those comments.

On the afternoon of July 12, police union chief Kristopher Baumann told the Post that he did not have details on the matter. There was no sign of a legitimate danger or harm to the First Lady, according to the report, and a Secret Service spokesman declined to provide any further information. In an e-mail to the Washington Post, the spokesman said that they were aware of the incident and will conduct an appropriate follow-up.

Police officials immediately reassigned the officer who allegedly made the threat to other duties, officials said.

The D.C. Metropolitan Police Department didn't reveal any more details in response to an inquiry from Politico, supplying the same statement that was given to the Washington Post. Inquiries to the First Lady's office were directed to the Secret Service.

However, The Alternative Press reports that D.C. Police Chief Cathy Lanier said there are conflicting reports about the alleged threatening comments that were made to Michelle Obama. In an email on July 13, Lanier said to the Associated Press that there are conflicting reports about what was said, but didn't immediately elaborate.