After witnessing, the police chief's refusal to the salute of the American Flag during the Pledge of Allegiance, a frustrated cop decides that something must be done about this. 

After Assistant Chief of Police Anita Najiy (far left) refused to salute the flag, a fellow officer took action. (Photo Credit: Screenshot via YouTube)

When dealing with police officers, we think they feel a sense of obligation and duty to our American country more than any other. These men and women made a vow to protect and serve this great country. So when a police chief is seen not saluting the American flag, an officer could not just sit by and allow this to happen.

As every cops stood up to salute the flag, one of their superiors chose not to take part in saluting. Assistant Chief of Police and 32-year-veteran officer Anita Najiy stood quietly, choosing not to recite the pledge and also decided not to place her hand over her heart in support and dedication of our country’s symbol. Unfortunately for this superior, someone saw this and reacted.

After seeing his own commander’s apparent contempt for America, Fraternal Order of Police president Javier Ortiz refused to let her actions go. In a letter to her superior, Ortiz questioned Najiy’s ability to serve her country if she won’t even pledge her allegiance to it, according to the Miami Herald.

“If you’re not pledging allegiance to the United States, my question is what country are you pledging allegiance to?” Ortiz says. “Anyone who isn’t offended by that is not American, because when you become a U.S. citizen, you pledge allegiance to the .US.”

Ortiz cited a section of the police department’s code of conduct, which allows for disciplinary actions for officers who fail to give the flag the proper respect during a ceremony. Ortiz ultimately suggested that Anita Najiy is removed from her position as commander of the department’s Honor Guard.

Fraternal Order of Police President Javier Ortiz reported Anita Najiy for violating the department’s code. (Photo Credit: Screenshot via YouTube)

Javier Ortiz wrote Chief Rodolfo Llanes, accusing Anita Najiy of holding her religion above her official duties. Since Najiy is a Muslim, Ortiz concluded that the incident was a clear indicator that she is unable to put aside her religious conviction in order to perform her job requirements.

“I had false hopes that the MPD [Miami Police Department] would address the issue at hand. Assistant Chief Najiy practices in the Muslim faith. The MPD apparently is afraid to address this,” Ortiz said. “In the United States, you have the right to practice any religion and say whatever you want off-duty. When you’re in your police uniform, you are to be neutral.”

Miami Police Maj. Delrish Moss refuted Ortiz’s claim, stating that Najiy was following U.S. Military code, which supersedes the city’s Honor Guard code. However, Ortiz dismissed this justification, arguing that the officers “aren’t in the military” and that she should have displayed the proper etiquette that “must be exercised when wearing a law enforcement uniform.”

“Religious and political views have no business being reflected when wearing a police uniform,” Ortiz said. “There are plenty of police officers in our department that practice the Muslim faith and pledge allegiance to our country and have a problem with her defiance towards the United States.”

Najiy’s refusal to place her hand over her heart has sparked debate concerning a police officers’ rights and responsibilities. (Photo Credit: Screenshot via YouTube)

Javier Ortiz has been under fire for utilizing social media for rallying a backlash against those with whom he disagrees.

“We are appalled by the hateful comments that we have been forced to witness over the past several days,” Miami Community Police Benevolent Association President Ella Moore wrote. “Manufacturing issues to divide and call attention away from his own misdeeds seem to be a pattern of this FOP president, who does not appear to be up to the task of showing the true leadership benefiting his current position.”