According to Firearm Chronicles
The chief of the Olympia, Washington police department says an internal investigation is taking place after an officer posed for a picture with several members of the group Three Percent of Washington early Friday morning. The group of about a dozen gun owners were standing guard outside of a local gun store after the owner requested “armed members of the community to make a presence in his parking lot” over concerns that his store would be targeted by burglars.
Friday evening, Olympia’s interim police chief, Aaron Jelcick, released a statement announcing the investigation into the officer. “I am disappointed and frustrated that the photo was taken at all, but particularly at this sensitive time in our city and nation,” Jelcick wrote. “I regret that this photo may damage the trust our community places in us that we have worked so hard to build. I apologize for the pain this has caused our community. It is imperative that Olympia Police Officers uphold our values, remain neutral to the message at public demonstrations, and do not engage in or promote conduct that will bring discredit to themselves, the Department or the City.” Meanwhile, Olympia Mayor Cheryl Selby accused the group of promoting white supremacy by flashing “white power” symbols. “After a long week for my community, I’m discouraged that I have to make a post like this,” the mayor wrote. “I have confirmed a photo of an Olympia police officer posing with a group of armed militia members, some of whom are displaying white power signs. I find this behavior to be abhorrent and unequivocally unacceptable.