St. Paul police sergeant allegedly urged drivers to hit Black Lives Matter protesters

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KMSP) - A St. Paul police sergeant is on administrative leave after a report that he allegedly urged drivers on Facebook to run over Black Lives Matter protesters during their planned Monday march.

Andrew Henderson, known for videotaping officers at work so they’re held accountable, came across the comment from "JM Roth" on Saturday before reporting it to St. Paul police. He filed an internal affairs complaint Sunday naming Sgt. Jeffrey M. Rothecker.

“I am outraged and disgusted by the post and have directed the SPPD to investigate,” St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman said in a statement Monday. “That investigation is currently underway.”

St. Paul Police Department confirmed that someone did file a complaint, and the officer has been put on administrative leave. Police said the Facebook account has since been taken down.

“There is no room in the Saint Paul Police Department for employees who threaten members of the public,” Coleman said. “If the allegation is true, we will take the strongest possible action allowed under law.”

The department wrote a message to Facebook followers on Tuesday morning.

"The statement is offensive, disappointing, concerning and does not reflect in any way—or align with—the views, values and practices of the Saint Paul Police Department," the post reads, in part. The full post can be found at the bottom of this article.

Full text of the comment under investigation:

Run them over. Keep traffic flowing and don’t slow down for any of these idiots who try and block the street. Here is the deal, you continue to drive and if you hit someone make sure you call 911 to report the accident and meet the cops a block or two away and you can justify stopping further away because you feared for your safety since the past people in this group has shown a propensity towards violence. Since they are trying to block the street and/or cross where there is no crossing you should not be charged with anything. Now, these idiots could try and sue you in civil court, but remember that it will be jury trial and so most likely it will come out in your favor.