PHOENIX — A Phoenix police officer has been terminated after he attended an ICE protest in Chandler wearing a mask and a gun before confronting protesters.
Read more Arrest made for Cave Creek Road homicide one month later
Phoenix Police Chief Matthew Giordano announced the termination of Dustin Mullen’s employment on Thursday.
In a statement about the decision, Giordano said:
“Since becoming Chief of the Phoenix Police Department, I have been clear about the standards of accountability and professionalism expected of every member of this department. Discipline is not about punishment–it is about correcting behavior. When behavior can be corrected, we take that path. But when an employee’s conduct is so serious that continued employment might no longer be viable, the matter proceeds through the Loudermill process.
That process happened this week with Sergeant Dusten Mullen. His actions raised significant concerns about judgment and professionalism. Although he was off duty and not in uniform, the oath we take binds us to a higher standard. After thorough consideration, I made the decision to terminate his employment.
Community trust is not something we are owed; it is something we earn every day. We strengthen that trust through transparency, accountability, consistent expectations, and meaningful engagement with the people we serve. Addressing misconduct swiftly and fairly is essential to maintaining that trust.”
Mullen, an off-duty officer for the Phoenix Police Department, was visibly armed with a black handgun outside Hamilton High School while students were protesting Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Jan. 30. The protest was one of several demonstrations seen throughout the Valley in recent months.
Mullen began arguing with the students involved in the protest and told officers he did not want to leave the area, according to records. He also told officers that he was calling other armed individuals to join him at the protest.
Read more Firefighter taken to hospital after responding to Phoenix house fire
When told by police that he was arguing with high school students, Mullen stated that he was present at the protest because he was upset that the students had hit his car with a flag while driving in the area.
In the police report, Mullen is quoted as saying:
“My plan is legitimately to just let them all assault me, and you guys arrest them all, and I’ll keep it on film … So my goal (unintelligible) to get all these kids in jail if they want to break the law.”
The situation grew tense, and students began chanting around Mullen. Shortly after, a teen girl reportedly poured a cup of water on him.
Mullen told officers right after the incident that he wanted to press charges.
The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office told 12News the agency received a submittal for misdemeanor charges but declined to prosecute the juvenile “due to no reasonable likelihood of conviction.”
The Phoenix Police Department began an investigation into the incident.
Mullen filed a lawsuit requesting a temporary restraining order preventing the department from terminating his employment, but that request was denied.
Read more Police detain 2 people after a shooting at a Phoenix motel