Fort Lauderdale, Florida – Authorities on Friday announced that a Fort Lauderdale police officer is under serious investigation due to suspected racist behavior over the past year as calls for resignation grow. Based on court records, Officer John Giga, who has spent sixteen years at the Fort Lauderdale Police Department, apparently has had multiple disciplinary issues since 2013.
Following an internal affairs investigation into an incident that happened on Thanksgiving in 2023, both the NAACP and the public defender’s office are calling for his immediate dismissal. Local 10 News showed footage of the event in question, which resulted in these requests for his dismissal, partly captured on a surveillance camera.
Authorities claim that the video shows Officer Giga acting allegedly in “aggressive and racist manner.” On the evening of the incident, Giga reportedly showed up at a parking lot apparently intoxicated and began spewing slurs directed at several Black people.
According to the authorities, the security footage shows Officer Giga following a car that ultimately escalated into a physical struggle, leaving him injured. Other police arriving at the scene found him on the ground and injured. Giga reportedly visited several pubs, consumed alcohol, and sent harassing text messages to a woman using his police car before this fight started. Alarmed by his behavior, this woman hid from him when he showed up at the pub, officials noted.
Read also: Pompano Beach stores could run out of business as Publix is planning to open yet another store
Based on an internal affairs investigation of these incidents, the police chief has recommended Giga be let go from his position. The public defender’s office as well as the NAACP now agree with this recommendation.
“This guy has no regard for any rules, anyone’s safety, or any dignity to the community that he serves,” said Broward County Public Defender Gordon Weekes as reported by Local 10 News. “There’s no room on the Fort Lauderdale police force for racist officers. We expect that he will no longer continue to wear the uniform,” said Marsha Ellison, president of the Broward County branch of the NAACP.
Susan Grant, the interim city manager of Fort Lauderdale, issued a statement on Friday confirming that, after an internal affairs investigation, the police chief has recommended the firing of Officer John Giga. Grant noted that the city manager is currently examining the investigation results and the chief’s recommendation, and will proceed according to the usual disciplinary appeal process. During this period, Officer Giga is on paid administrative leave.
Additionally, Weekes has declared intentions to reassess cases linked to Giga, identifying six cases that warrant further examination.
