USA15 April, 20261 min read
Phoenix Police Sergeant Armed to Incite Violence at Arizona High School Protest
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Off-duty Phoenix sergeant Dusten Mullen armed and masked at a Hamilton High anti-ICE protest He was placed on administrative leave amid an internal investigation
Off-Duty Cop Provokes Protest
Sergeant Dusten Mullen was placed on administrative leave after showing up armed and masked at a student protest with the intent of provoking students. Mullen told police, My plan is legitimately to just let them all assault me and you guys arrest them all and I'll keep it on film. He was carrying a handgun and wore a T-shirt emblazoned with an American flag and Trump 2024.
One parent said they had just witnessed the shooting of Alex Pretti at a protest with a gun. A teenage girl was arrested for throwing a water bottle, but charges were later dropped.
Community Outrage
Chief Giordano said officers are held to higher standards both in and out of uniform. Mullen's attorney argued he was acting within his constitutional rights. The incident has become a flashpoint in broader debates over policing and protest rights.
Community members expressed fear and confusion. One mother recounted the sense of unpredictability created by an armed, masked individual.
Overtime and Pay Scrutiny
Mullen drew a salary of $336,518, ranking as the ninth-highest earner. Overtime costs skyrocketed 143% from July 2019 through June 2024. The top 18 earners raked in more than $5.3 million in overtime.
Mullen worked 60 to 80 hours a week with intense overtime. The incident raised questions about off-duty officers engaging with the public.