Armed Phoenix Sergeant Intimidated Students During Anti-ICE Protest, Now Loses Job

Allegedly intimidating a group of students during an anti-ICE protest last year has now cost a Phoenix sergeant his job at the police department. The police chief confirmed the decision in a statement, emphasizing the standards of discipline and professionalism expected of every employee of the Phoenix Police Department.

Meanwhile, the fired employee has reportedly filed a lawsuit against the city and the chief of police. He claimed he was targeted by the department and that his firing was intentional.

The fired Phoenix Police Department employee, Sgt. Dusten Mullen, drew attention in January last year when body camera footage showed him allegedly attempting to intimidate a group of high school students. The students were reportedly protesting against ICE tactics, and Mullen was seen carrying a firearm.

The clip also showed him making a controversial remark to a fellow Chandler Police Department officer. Mullen allegedly said his off-duty presence at the anti-ICE protest was intended to provoke students into breaking the law so they could be arrested.

The clip captured Mullen saying, “My plan is legitimately to just let them all assault me, and you guys arrest them all. I will keep it on film. I also have other people filming from a distance, so my goal would be to get all these kids in jail if they want to break the law.”

As the video went viral, Sgt. Mullen’s conduct came under scrutiny by the Phoenix Police Department. In April, he was placed on administrative leave while the department investigated whether his actions violated department policy.

A departmental report later concluded that the sergeant escalated tensions during the encounter with the students. According to the report, Mullen openly confronted the group and ordered them to move. He was also involved in the arrest of a teenager accused of throwing water at him.

Following the investigation into the sergeant’s off-duty conduct, Michael Sullivan of the Phoenix Police Department terminated Mullen’s employment. The chief cited concerns about Mullen’s professionalism and conduct in explaining the decision.

Part of the statement said, “That process happened this week with Sergeant Dusten Mullen. His actions raised significant concerns about judgment and professionalism. Although he was off duty and not in uniform, the oath we take binds us to a higher standard. After thorough consideration, I made the decision to terminate his employment.”

In retaliation for his unexpected dismissal, Sergeant Dusten Mullen ended up filing a lawsuit against the Chief of Police. He also sued the city and a city council member on the grounds that the department wrongfully conspired against him.

Mullen’s defense attorney, Steve Serbalik, released a statement and shared, “Sgt. Mullen is disappointed by this decision, but not surprised. While he hoped that the City of Phoenix and Chief Giordano would conduct a 'thorough and fair” investigation - that is not what occurred. It will now be up the the Court to protect the rights of Sgt. Mullen and the other members of AZCOPS. We look forward to a fair venue to address these issues."