LAPD union sues website, alleging it created ‘bounty’ on officers’ lives by posting headshots

The union representing Los Angeles police sued a website called killercop.com, alleging it created a “bounty” on officers’ lives by posting their mugshots. 

The suit filed by the Los Angeles Police Protective League on behalf of three officers was triggered by the release of more than 9,300 LAPD officers’ information at the request of journalists and a police abolitionist group.

The lawsuit alleges killercop.com then posted the photos in a way that post a threat to the officers.

The information released by the department also included the names of some undercover officers, prompting an apology.

“I deeply regret that this mistake happened," Police Chief Michel Moore told a local TV station. "I understand personally, given my own death threats and on matters of me as a public figure and my family has endured as a chief and even before that, how troubling this can be to a member of this organization, and even more so to those that are involved in sensitive and or confidential investigations.”

The lawsuit demanded the website remove any officers’ photos.

The website’s proprietor, Steven Sutcliffe, called the lawsuit “malicious” and a threat to his free speech rights. 

“It’s retaliatory. It is vindictive and frivolous. Their motion is filled with lies,” he told the Los Angeles Times.