Philly Cop With Alleged Nazi Tattoos Stirs Controversy

Images circulated through social media on Wednesday night into Thursday claiming to show a Philadelphia Police officer sporting Nazi tattoos.

The images, which originated on Facebook from Evan Parish Matthews, were taken on July 28 during a Black Lives Matter march at the Democratic National Convention, according to the Facebook post. The image shows a Philadelphia cop — named in the post as Ian Hans Lichterman — with multiple tattoos connecting him to Nazi Germany and the Third Reich.

Philadelphia Police said Thursday that they had been made aware of the photo on Thursday and that they had forwarded the information to internal affairs for review.

"Currently, the department does not have a specific policy regarding the wearing /displaying of tattoos; however, the department will quickly move to assess and determine the appropriate policy moving forward," police said in a statement Thursday afternoon, calling the topic "very sensitive" for both police and the public.

"We must ensure that all constitutional rights are adhered to while at the same time ensuring public safety and public trust aren’t negatively impacted," the statement concluded.

In the images posted to social media, the tattoo on the left forearm of the officer reads "Fatherland" and shows an eagle with opened wings holding a swastika. On his right forearm is an image of an assault rifle laid over the American flag. The phrase, "For God and Country," the motto of the American Legion, is written below.

In his original post, Matthews urged the public to call the Philadelphia Police's 2nd precinct and express their outrage. Matthews said that the Northeast Philadelphia office is where the officer in question is stationed.

Numerous Twitter users have expressed outrage over the image and demanded an explanation from the police department.

Image via Philadelphia Police