Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – A former state trooper involved in the controversial arrest of two Philadelphia LGBTQ+ officials in March is no longer employed by the Pennsylvania State Police, as confirmed by a spokesperson for the department.
The arrest of Celena Morrison and Darius McLean on March 2, 2024, stirred controversy after video footage of the incident went viral on social media. The trooper initiated a traffic stop on Morrison for alleged vehicle code violations, but things escalated when McLean intervened and resisted arrest. Morrison, who leads Philadelphia’s Office of LGBT Affairs, stepped in to try to prevent her husband’s arrest.
Following their arrest, Morrison and McLean disputed the account provided by the state police. They claimed that the trooper used excessive force and unfairly targeted them. Morrison, who is transgender, expressed concerns about being targeted for her identity as a Black individual. Their lawyers raised questions about the trooper’s conduct and tactics during the traffic stop.
Mayor Cherelle Parker expressed concern over the cellphone video capturing the arrest, describing it as troubling. The couple’s attorneys announced plans to file a lawsuit over the incident, accusing the trooper of violating their rights during the encounter.
The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office confirmed that they were investigating the incident, withholding any charging decision pending a thorough investigation. Despite the ongoing scrutiny of the case, the trooper involved in the arrest was placed on restricted duty while an internal investigation took place.
Ultimately, the state trooper in question is no longer affiliated with the Pennsylvania State Police, although his identity has not been disclosed to the public. The incident has highlighted ongoing concerns about police conduct and interactions with marginalized communities in Philadelphia, prompting calls for accountability and transparency in law enforcement practices.