MA Cop Accused Of 'Mocking' Charlottesville Tragedy

SPRINGFIELD, MA – The Springfield Police Department is investigating a Facebook comment "mocking" the Charlottesville tragedy that purportedly came from one of its officers. Springfield Police Commissioner John Barbieri said he received a complaint Sunday about the comment.

In a statement on Twitter, the City of Springfield identified the police officer as Conrad Lariviere. The comment from Lariviere's account was posted to an article shared by conservative commentator Ben Shapiro and included laughing at the violence and saying, "Hahahaha love this, maybe people shouldn't block roads."

In a Facebook interview with Masslive.com, Lariviere says he’s a “good man who made a stupid comment.”

Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno called the remarks "unbelievable" and said, "There is no place for this in our society, let alone from a Springfield Police Officer."

"Again, this is not an overall reflection of our men and women in blue, who serve with honor, courage and compassion," Sarno continued.

Sarno said the comment is under internal investigation and review by the Community Police Hearing Board to determine appropriate disciplinary measures.

Read Sarno's statement in full below:

A woman was killed and dozens others were injured Saturday when a car plowed into a group of people believed to be counter-protesters at a white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. Police have arrested and charged 20-year-old Alex Fields Jr., of Maumee, Ohio, in relation to the fatal crash.

Pictured are rescue personnel helping injured people after a car ran into a large group of protesters after a white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, Image via Steve Helber/Associated Press