Deputy seen wearing extremist patch at Orange County police protest

SANTA ANA - A sheriff's deputy who wore a patch with extremist logos on his uniform at a Southern California protest has been placed on administrative leave, an official said Wednesday.

Carrie Braun, a spokeswoman for the Orange County Sheriff's Department, said the deputy was placed on paid leave pending an investigation. Sheriff Don Barnes said in a statement that the deputy's use of such logos was “deeply concerning” and deputies had been reminded not to wear patches that are not approved.

The deputy was seen wearing the patch associated with right-wing extremist groups while working at a protest Tuesday in Costa Mesa, California, over the death of George Floyd.

“Instances like this can forge a wedge separating law enforcement from the community we serve, especially during these turbulent times,” Barnes said.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Council on American-Islamic Relations in greater Los Angeles had denounced the deputy's use of the patch with logos from two extremist groups including the Oath Keepers, which is described as a radical anti-government organization by the Southern Poverty Law Center.

Hussam Ayloush, executive director of CAIR's office in greater Los Angeles, said in a statement that the use of these symbols in the wake of Floyd's death in Minneapolis police custody is outrageous.

“It's very disturbing,” said Eugene Fields, a CAIR spokesman. “These people are supposed to be protecting us.”