Los Angeles' top civilian police official apologized Tuesday for a comment he now says was in jest — encouraging vandalism of President Donald Trump's Walk of Fame star.
Los Angeles Police Commission President Matt Johnson laughed and had a big smile on his face Monday night when he was asked outside a West Hollywood restaurant by a TMZ cameraman what he thought of the attacks on Trump's sidewalk star on Hollywood Boulevard.
"I'm in favor of it," he said with a smile, turning toward his car and laughing.
The TMZ photographer, also laughing, then asked if Johnson thinks the star should be removed.
"I'm definitely in favor of getting rid of the star," Johnson said, again with a laugh, as he got into his car.
The Police Commission, which Johnson leads, is the civilian panel that oversees the Los Angeles Police Department.
Johnson released the following statement to NBC4: "Walking out of a restaurant last night, I made some flippant comments to a TMZ reporter that were certainly not meant to be taken seriously. I regret the comments — because while I may have my disagreements with the President, I of course do not condone vandalism or any other criminal act. If individuals are inclined to protest him or his policies, there are far more appropriate and effective means of doing so."
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Alex Comisar, Mayor Eric Garcetti's press secretary, also released a statement.
"President Johnson has made it clear that the offhand comments he made last night were not meant to be taken seriously," Comisar said. "We all agree that vandalism is wrong — and we have zero tolerance for it in Los Angeles. There are more effective and lawful ways to express disagreements."
Trump's star has seen its share of action since the real estate baron began his presidential campaign. A street artist once built a small border wall around the star, mocking Trump's proposed wall on the U.S.-Mexico border.
Vandals once scrawled swastikas on the star, and businessman James Otis in October took a sledge hammer to the sign and made off with the brass-colored name plate — earning him a felony conviction and three years on probation.
Most recently, somebody placed a gold-colored toilet alongside the star.
