Armed Off-Duty Cop Tried to Incite Violence at a High School Anti-ICE Protest
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The Bottom Line
An armed off-duty Phoenix police sergeant tried to incite violence at a high school anti-ICE protest.
How This Affects You
This incident raises questions about police conduct and civil liberties, potentially affecting public trust in law enforcement and the safety of peaceful protests.
AI Summary
Dusten Mullen, a sergeant with the Phoenix Police Department, has been placed on administrative leave after showing up armed and off-duty to a student-led anti-ICE protest at Hamilton High School in Chandler, Arizona, on January 30. Mullen, who earned $336,518 in 2025, told fellow police officers he intended to act as an agent provocateur to incite students. Phoenix Police Chief Matthew Giordano stated Mullen's conduct undermined community trust and that the department would hold him accountable. Mullen's attorney, Steve Serbalik, argued the administrative leave chills his client's constitutional rights to free speech. Mullen is suspended with pay and was required to surrender his badge and gun pending an internal review.
What's Being Done
Sergeant Dusten Mullen has been placed on administrative leave and suspended with pay, pending an internal review by the Phoenix Police Department.
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