Trending Topics

Officer Who Appeared to Celebrate Death of Young Pittsburgh Rapper Placed On Desk Duty

(Photo via AP)

PITTSBURGH (AP) — A Pittsburgh police officer who posted a Facebook comment that appeared to celebrate the recent death of up-and-coming rapper Jimmy Wopo has been put on desk duty.

The police department says the city is investigating the social media post and “will hold this officer accountable for his actions.” Adding in the statement released Friday by spokesman Chris Togneri that “comments that disparage victims and endanger the community and fellow officers will not be tolerated.”

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports Officer Brian Martin got into an exchange on Facebook with a person saying it seemed like Wopo’s death had been forgotten in the wake of hundreds protesting for another teen Antwon Rose who was gunned down by police.

Martin replied: “Not me. I’m still celebrating.”

The post has since been taken down.

Martin declined to comment Monday.

Wopo, whose real name was Travon Smart, was killed and another man injured when someone opened fire on their car in Pittsburgh on June 18.

Associated Press contributed to this story.

Back to top