Raleigh Police Investigating Officer’s Alleged Post Calling Juneteenth a ‘Made up Holiday’

The Raleigh Police Department is investigating an alleged social-media screenshot that shows a Raleigh police officer calling Juneteenth a “made up holiday.”

“The Raleigh Police Department is aware of the post and is investigating,” according to department spokesperson Lt. Jason Borneo. “The post does not reflect our values as a city.”

The screenshot reportedly is from an Instagram story, or temporary post, by Police Senior Officer Daniel Twiddy.

“Juneteenth is a made up holiday,” according to the caption on a photo of Twiddy drinking a beverage at a Hilton Head Island resort. “Today is my birthday and it’s been that way for 38 years. Youre welcome for the day off.”

In 2021, Juneteenth was made a federal holiday to commemorate the ending of slavery in the United States.

The screenshot was shared by Tucker Dominique in a July 18 Facebook post that has gone viral with over 1,700 comments and 2,700 shares. People shared a link to Twiddy’s Instagram account, which was not viewable by the public, but the account was later deleted.

“Let’s let the record show that this is how Senior Officer D. C Twiddy feels,” according to Dominique’s Facebook post. “Raleigh Police Department I did this to show why cultural competency is critical in todays work place. Thanks to Mr. Twiddy for being that example.”

The screenshot is being investigated by the Police Department’s Internal Affairs Unit, said Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin {snip}

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