Murphy backs Platkin in latest State Police scandal

The second in command of the New Jersey State Police is in trouble after allegedly referring to New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin as “that Jew,” according to a New York Post report and others with direct knowledge of the incident contacted by the New Jersey Globe.

Lt. Col. Sean Kilcommons is accused of ordering a state police helicopter to stay in the air so Platkin’s young son, who accompanied his father to a “Bring Your Child to Work” event at April’s Department of Law and Public Safety, I wouldn’t be able to see inside her.

“I don’t want that Jewish kid in the state police helicopter,” the Post quoted Kilcommons as saying. They referenced a report filed with the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability.

According to the Post, Kilcommons told the helicopter to stay in the air until after Platkin left.

“Tell him not to land,” Kilcommons allegedly stated, the Post said, citing the OPIA report.

Other children who accompanied their parent to work, including police officers, were either denied the promised chance to see the inside of a helicopter or had to wait until Platkin left.

Governor Phil Murphy said today that he is taking the issue seriously.

“Anti-Semitism of any kind has no place in our society. The alleged comment about Attorney General Platkin and his son, if true, is abhorrent and contrary to the values ​​of the New Jersey State Police and my entire administration,” Murphy said. “As an investigation is ongoing, I will not comment further on this matter until the investigation is complete.”

Platkin issued a statement this morning saying he had seen news reports of Kilcommon’s statements but noted he had recused himself from the inquiry.

“This behavior, if substantiated, does not occur in law enforcement or anywhere in our society,” Platkin said. “But I want to make it clear that we must never tolerate anti-Semitism or prejudice of any kind. Too often, those in leadership feel comfortable dismissing or ignoring allegations of bias, especially when the perpetrators are in positions of power.”

He added: “When allegations of bias are met with silence or, worse, reflexively defended by people in power, rather than investigated seriously and swiftly, it sends a clear message to any victims who might consider it presents itself: don’t bother’.

There have been other allegations of racist remarks made by Kilcommons, the New Jersey Globe has learned, but disciplinary action or firing has been rejected by state police Commissioner Patrick Callahan, a close ally. Callahan was criticized for leapfrogging Kilcommons ahead of others for promotions.

The State Police has faced a number of challenges in recent weeks. Two weeks ago, the NAACP New Jersey State Conference called for Callahan’s ouster after a scathing report initiated by Platkin’s successor highlighted discriminatory hiring practices and found that internal affairs investigations were weaponized against troopers .

Platkin recommended political reforms.

Last week, a former police officer was sentenced to probation for punching a racing woman while holding a metal flashlight while she was handcuffed in the back of a police vehicle.

For Platkin, the Kilcommons incident caused him to double down.

“I’ve been called many names in my life, including quite a few anti-Semitic slurs. While I’m not obsessed with these attacks, I’m not ignoring them either,” he said. “Instead of shrugging my shoulders, these experiences prompt me to redouble my efforts to eliminate bias and hatred of all kinds.”

“And while I am disappointed to learn that a law enforcement leader would choose to use his position and the privilege of his authority to harm my son, whom I love more than anything, I will be troubled if we allow him— and millions of children like him — to grow up in a society where attacking someone for who they are or how they worship is accepted or tolerated,” Platkin said.