Three police officers in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, have been placed on paid administrative leave after reportedly harassing Koy Moore, a wide receiver for the Louisiana State University Tigers football team.
Moore detailed the allegation of harassment by police late Saturday night on social media. In a statement Moore posted to Twitter on Sunday, he said he was “violated” by the officers after they allegedly assumed he had a firearm.
“Last night I was approached by policemen they pulled guns on me assuming I had a gun and drugs. (screaming ‘where’s your gun?’),” Moore tweeted. “I was violated numerous times even as going as far as trying to unzip my pants in search of a weapon that I repeatedly told them I did not have.”
Moore continued: “As I tried to go live for video documentation of the harassment they snatched my phone. I could’ve lost my life and I know for a fact nothing would’ve happened to the guys who did it. As some celebrate the election of a new president, understand the real problem has not changed. If I didn’t tell those incompetent officers that I was an LSU football player, there’s no telling if I would’ve been here to tell the story!”
LSU coach Ed Orgeron issued a statement Sunday night on Twitter regarding Moore’s claims.
“I am aware of the serious statements that Koy Moore made on social media about being violated by police officers Saturday evening,” wrote Orgeron. “LSU and the Baton Rouge Police Department are investigating the incident.”
“While I cannot comment on the investigation, what I can say is that we must work collectively to embrace our differences,” Orgeron continued. “We have to listen, learn and come together to combat social injustice and racism if we are to create a safer and more equitable society for all people.”
The university retweeted Orgeron’s statement early Monday morning and added that they have been “made aware of the situation” and “echo the sentiment” shared by Orgeron.
Baton Rouge Mayor Sharon Weston Broome also released a statement on Twitter Monday, in which she said her office is aware of the incident and has contacted police chief Murphy Paul.
“My office has been made aware of a situation concerning BRPD and an LSU student,” wrote Broome. “Upon notification, I have been in contact with Chief Paul; he has assured me his department is thoroughly investigating this matter and he has been in touch with the student.”
Paul has reportedly initiated an Internal Affairs investigation into the matter and placed the three officers involved on paid administrative leave while the incident is under investigation, according to a statement Paul gave to Gerron Jordan, a local news anchor for NBC33 and Fox44.
Paul’s statement also said the police department pledges a thorough investigation on Moore’s claims.
“As in every case, we will be collecting all available evidence and conducting interviews,” said Paul. “Accountability and transparency are critical in building trust with the community. I pledge a thorough investigation into this complaint.”
The Baton Rouge Police Department didn’t respond to Newsweek’s request for comment in time for publication.
