Murphy Supports Platkin in Latest State Police Scandal (Update)

The deputy commander of the New Jersey State Police is in trouble after allegedly calling New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin “that Jew.” New York Post Report and others with direct knowledge of the incident contacted by the New Jersey Globe.

Lt. Col. Sean Kilcomons is accused of ordering a state police helicopter to remain in the air so that Platkin’s young son, who accompanied his dad to a “Take Your Child to Work” event at the School of Law and Public Safety in April, would not be able to see inside.

“I don’t want that Jew’s child in a state police helicopter,” the Post quotes Kilcomons as allegedly saying. They referred to the report submitted to the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability.

According to the Post, Kilcomons ordered the helicopter to remain in the air until Platkin departed.

“Tell him not to land,” Kilcomons allegedly told the Post, citing the OPIA report.

Other children who accompanied their parents to work, including police officers, were either denied the promised chance to see inside the helicopter or had to wait until Platkin left.

Governor Phil Murphy said today he is taking this matter seriously.

“There is no place for any type of anti-Semitism in our society. “The alleged comment about Attorney General Platkin and his son, if true, is abhorrent and contrary to the values ​​of the New Jersey State Police and my entire administration,” Murphy said. “As the investigation is ongoing, I will not comment further on this matter until it is concluded.”

Platkin issued a statement this morning saying he had seen news reports about Kilcommon’s comments, but noted that he had recused himself from the investigation.

“Such conduct, when warranted, has no place in law enforcement or anywhere else in our society,” Platkin said. “However, I want to make it clear that we can never tolerate anti-Semitism or prejudice of any kind. Too often, those in power feel comfortable dismissing or ignoring allegations of bias, especially when the perpetrators are in power.”

He added: “When allegations of bias are met with silence or, worse yet, reflexively defended by those in positions of power, rather than being seriously and quickly investigated, it sends a clear message to any victims who may consider coming forward: don’t bother.”

The New Jersey Globe has learned that Kilcommons had other allegations of racist remarks, but actions to discipline or fire him were rejected by State Police Superintendent Patrick Callahan, a close ally. Callahan faced criticism for jumping Kilcommons ahead of others for promotion.

State police have faced a number of challenges in recent weeks. Two weeks ago, the New Jersey State Conference of the NAACP called for Callahan’s ouster following a scathing report initiated by Platkin’s successor that highlighted discriminatory hiring practices and found that internal affairs investigations were used against some soldiers.

Platkin recommended policy reforms.

Last week, a former soldier was given a suspended sentence for punching a woman in the face while holding a metal flashlight while she was handcuffed in the backseat of a police vehicle.

For Platkin, the incident at Kilcomons caused him to double down on his position.

“I have been called many names in my life, including some anti-Semitic insults. While I am not obsessed with these attacks, I do not ignore them,” he said. “Rather than disregarding them, these experiences lead me to redouble my efforts to eradicate prejudice and hatred of all kinds.”

“And while I am disappointed to learn that a law enforcement leader could choose to use his position and the privilege of his power to harm my son, whom I love more than anything, I will be devastated if we allow him – and millions of children like him – to grow up in a society in which attacking someone for who they are or what they believe in is accepted or tolerated,” Platkin said.

Jersey City mayor and gubernatorial candidate Steve Fulop said that “bigoths do not belong to law enforcement.

“Unfortunately, this reminds us that anti-Semitism is becoming more and more common and every time we see it, it must be met with fierce opposition.” Fulop stated. “If the allegations are confirmed, the employment relationship should be terminated, because there is no place for this type of person whose career is based on public trust, and I have the impression that an officer is fired due to actions contrary to his public trust, and the officer’s pension the possibility of terminating the employment contract should also be considered and that is what should have happened in this case if true

Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin said that “the allegations are disturbing” and expressed “confidence that they will be properly assessed.”

“This incident highlights deep-rooted cultures within the state police that must be addressed,” said Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, a candidate for governor. “An anti-Semitic comment like this should be offensive to everyone, and we must demand immediate and sustained action against the person responsible, as well as against the culture that allows such attitudes to persist.”

Former Senate President Steve Sweeney, also a candidate for governor, said that “if substantiated, immediate and swift action must be taken.”

“This language represents a bias that cannot exist among those entrusted with enforcing the law,” he said.