A police body-cam video of an incident involving 22-year-old Jordan Hancock—son of Denver, Colorado Mayor Michael B. Hancock—was leaked to a local news outlet. The video shows interaction between Hancock and a police officer, who pulled him over for going 65 mph in a 40 mph zone. The disturbing video shows Hancock verbally attacking the police officer using anti-gay slurs saying, “My dad’s the mayor you f***ing f**got, ha ha!” He went on to threaten the officer’s job, saying he would have him fired and said he was “hatin in blue.” The traffic stop occurred in Aurora, a suburb of Denver.
Mayor Hancock declined to speak to the media or give interviews. Jordan Hancock also refused to speak to the media or address his behavior publicly. He went to court for the ticket and paid a $250 fine.
This isn’t the first time the father/son duo has come under scrutiny. In 2012, Mayor Michael Hancock admitted to sending inappropriate text messages to a female police officer who worked on his security detail, telling her, “You look sexy in all black!” His behavior cost the city $75,000 in settlement money paid to the police officer. Back in 2014, Jordan Hancock was riding in an SUV that was involved in a gang-related shooting. However, officials stated that he was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.
The Aurora Police Department has launched an internal investigation following the release of the police body camera footage because it wasn’t deemed public record. Of course, they claim the mayor had nothing to do with any decisions regarding the incident. Supposedly, the video is evidence in another case. The complete lack of remorse shown by Jordan Hancock is almost as appalling as his father’s statement on the matter. No accountability was taken and Mayor Hancock was promptly called out on Twitter for coddling his son.
Jordan Hancock is 22 years old and his father releasing a statement on his behalf shows how entitled he is. Rather than face the music himself and publicly apologize for his disgusting behavior, Jordan Hancock hid behind his father once again. Mayor Hancock’s public relations-crafted statement wasn’t good enough for residents of Denver. Adding that his son’s behavior could benefit the community through teaching shows how Mayor Hancock has accepted his son’s poor behavior.
It goes without saying that parents will love their child regardless. There’s something seriously wrong happening in the United States if parents need to “address” bad behavior with (and on behalf of) their adult children. Mayor Hancock’s statement regarding his son’s demeanor is akin to chastising a child for misbehaving in school. Jordan Hancock showed a disgusting attitude and harassing behavior towards a law enforcement officer. There isn’t a way for Mayor Hancock to spin his son’s behavior for the good of his community.
