Raleigh police officer on leave while alleged Juneteenth remark investigated

The Raleigh Police Department is investigating a purported social-media screenshot that shows a Raleigh police officer calling Juneteenth a “made up holiday.”

“The Raleigh Police Department is aware of the post and is investigating,” according to department spokesperson Lt. Jason Borneo. “The post does not reflect our values as a city.”

The screenshot reportedly is from an Instagram story, or temporary post, by Police Senior Officer Daniel Twiddy .

“Juneteenth is a made up holiday,” according to the caption on a photo of Twiddy drinking a beverage at a Hilton Head Island resort. “Today is my birthday and it’s been that way for 38 years. Youre welcome for the day off.”

In 2021, Juneteenth was made a federal holiday to commemorate the ending of slavery in the United States. It is also a city of Raleigh holiday.

Police chief releases statement

Raleigh Police Chief Estella Patterson released a statement about the post Thursday night.

“The Raleigh Police Department is committed to instilling and building trust with the community we serve,” she said. “We expect our employees to hold themselves to the highest standard of excellence that reflects favorably upon the organization, both on and off duty.”

The Police Department “celebrates the Juneteenth holiday and what it stands for,” Patterson said, adding she appreciated the many social-media users who brought the social media post to their attention.

Twiddy, who was hired by the Police Department in 2009, is on administrative leave “while this matter is being investigated.”

Screenshot shared, goes viral

The screenshot was shared by Tucker Dominique in a July 18 Facebook post that has gone viral with over 1,700 comments and 2,700 shares. People shared a link to Twiddy’s Instagram account, which was not viewable by the public, but the account was later deleted.

“Let’s let the record show that this is how Senior Officer D. C Twiddy feels,” according to Dominique’s Facebook post. “Raleigh Police Department I did this to show why cultural competency is critical in todays work place. Thanks to Mr. Twiddy for being that example.”

The screenshot is being investigated by the Police Department’s Internal Affairs Unit, said Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin, who said she can’t say more while it is under investigation.

City Manager Marchell Adams-David declined to comment but said the the Police Department statement stands.

Twiddy did not respond to an email from The News & Observer on Wednesday.

Fatal shooting by officer

Several people on the Facebook post noted that in 2016 Twiddy shot and killed 24-year-old Akiel Denkins in Southeast Raleigh.

Twiddy had spotted Denkins and knew he had an outstanding felony drug charge, The N&O reported. A chase occurred and then “a struggle.”

“During that tussle, according to the police account, Denkins pulled a handgun from inside his waistband,” according to The N&O. “Twiddy then fired multiple shots.”

After the first shots were fired, Twiddy said he felt Denkins reach for his duty weapon and Twiddy pulled back and fired additional shots.

A Smith & Wesson revolver found at the scene had been reported stolen in North Raleigh earlier that year, but it was not linked to Denkins before the day he was shot. His DNA was on the gun, but the gun had not been fired.

Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman cleared Twiddy of criminal wrongdoing and said he fired his gun in self-defense.

The shooting spurred protests throughout Raleigh, with community members asking for greater transparency and accountability for police officers.

Twiddy was also named in a lawsuit between the city and three families involving a no-knock raid on the wrong house . Twiddy was eventually removed from the lawsuit, and the city settled with the families for $350,000.

NC Reality Check is an N&O series holding those in power accountable and shining a light on public issues that affect the Triangle or North Carolina. Have a suggestion for a future story? Email realitycheck@newsobserver.com