Compelling but unexplored, an October 2006 FBI report on “White supremacist infiltration of law enforcement” foreshadowed the significant national threat now being caught on camera almost every week.
A recent photo of an apparent White supremacist in uniform has gone viral. The Nazi Party emblem is tattooed on the left forearm of an officer identified as Ian Hans Lichterman, 39. The tattoo features an eagle topped by the word “Fatherland,” with outstretched wings, holding a wreath possibly containing a swastika, which cannot be seen in the photo.
The photos were posted online by Evan Parish Matthews, who claimed he took them at a Black Lives Matter march held during the Democratic National Convention. Matthews said Lichterman was one of about 100 officers who blocked an entrance to a major intersection during the march.
“The mere decision to get this tattoo, and choose his profession, casts disperses any faith in Officer Lichtermann’s [sic] ability to do his job in a non-oppressive/racist manner,” Matthews wrote in a complaint filed with the department. “It’s intimidating display, and its present notoriety on social media have permanently marred Officer Ian Hans Lichtermann’s reputation and, for anyone knowledgeable of his history, made him a deadly embodiment of police-terror.”
Lichterman is listed in Philadelphia payroll records as a city police officer who earned about $75K, including overtime. Court records indicate he was a city police officer as far back as 2004.
Philadelphia police released a statement Thursday afternoon addressing the issue:
“The Philadelphia Police Department is aware of the image being displayed and circulated on social media. The post and photograph of the officer with tattoos displayed on his forearms was brought to our attention this morning, and we have forwarded it to internal affairs for review.
“Currently, the department does not have a specific policy regarding the wearing/displaying of tattoos; however, the department will quickly move to assess and determine the appropriate policy moving forward.
“The Department does not condone anything that can be interpreted as offensive, hateful or discriminatory in any form. This is a very sensitive topic for both the citizens that we serve as well as the officers providing service to the public. We must ensure that all constitutional rights are adhered to while at the same time ensuring public safety and public trust aren’t negatively impacted.”
Mayor Jim Kenney followed with his own statement, saying he found the image disturbing:
“The imagery on display in the tweet is disturbing. I find it incredibly offensive, and I know many others do as well. This image is particularly offensive to our WWII veterans who fought valiantly to free Europe from Nazi Germany, as well as all victims of Nazi atrocities. I understand that the PPD will launch an internal investigation, and that should run its course. In this environment — in which open, honest dialogue between citizens and police is paramount — we need to be building trust, not offering messages or displaying images that destroy trust.”
Efforts by Philly Voice to reach Lichterman by phone were unsuccessful; a message said the number was no longer active.
