RIP Detroit BBQ Company
www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/wayne-county/2014/12/22/facebook-posting-nypd/20761945/Detroit — The fallout from the fatal shootings of two New York City police officers includes a social media firestorm set off in Detroit this weekend involving the owner of a popular downtown food truck and catering business.
Hours after New York officers Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu were gunned down in Brooklyn, Tim Idzikowski, owner of the Detroit BBQ Company, posted on his Facebook page: "How many times did they think they were going to kick the hornets (sic) nest before they got stung? These guys 'can't breathe' now either."
"I can't breathe" is a reference to the death in New York of Eric Garner, who used those words after police officers wrestled him to the ground on suspicion he was selling loose cigarettes. During the videotaped encounter, one of the officers placed Garner in a chokehold that ultimately killed him.
The man who killed the two officers Saturday before committing suicide, identified as Ismaaiyl Brinsley, wrote on Instagram that he planned the crime to avenge the deaths of Garner and Michael Brown, who was fatally shot by a police officer after a reported struggle in Ferguson, Mo. Both incidents set off protests nationwide.
Idzikowski's Facebook post, which appeared above a link to a news story about Saturday's shooting of the two New York officers, was quickly spread on social media among Detroit Police and other area law enforcement officers.
The post was made on Idzikowski's personal Facebook page, not on the Detroit Barbecue Company page, which lists Idzikowski as a member of its "culinary team." The post is no longer visible on Idzikowski's personal Facebook page.
After officers criticized Idzikowski on Facebook for his post, he responded: "2 cops get killed and it's a (expletive) tragedy but you guys can run around killing people without fear of any reprisals because of your (expletive) badge and it's business as usual?"
During a telephone interview Monday, Idzikowski, whose company caters several high-profile events and whose truck is often parked at Campus Martius at lunchtime, said: "I got over 20 death threats on my voice mail. I've contacted an attorney, and we're going to file harassment charges against the officer who posted my personal information (online)."
When asked if he wanted to clarify or expand on his Facebook comments, Idzikowski said he was bothered by a photograph of New York police officers wearing T-shirts bearing the message "I can breathe."
"I thought they were mocking (Garner)," he said.
Later Monday morning, Idzikowski pointed out in a message that he has done charitable work for police organizations. "I have donated to the Grosse Pointe Police 'shop with a cop' program for needy children for the last three years running," he wrote. He also said in the message that he had received numerous phone calls about his comments.
Detroit Police Chief James Craig said Idzikowski's comments were unnecessary and inflammatory.
"It's very disheartening," Craig said. "I'm troubled by the statement 'Now the police can't breathe either.' That was the same statement made by the rapper The Game, and he's a guy a lot of young people listen to. It's very troubling.
"People are allowed to say what they want to, but what does this add to the conversation?" Craig said. "It does no good whatsoever."
Craig referred to backlash faced by the rapper over the weekend regarding posts he made on Instagram and Twitter regarding the police shooting; the rapper has since taken to social media channels to explain and expand on his comments.
Craig said he's not heard of any threats made to Idzikowski. "If he feels threatened, he can make out a police report and we'll look into it," he said.
Capt. Aric Tosqui, president of the Detroit Command Officers Association, said the comments were inappropriate.
"With so much pain and sadness going on, it's sad to see anyone, much less a local Detroit business owner, celebrate the death of another human being as justification for a particular side," Tosqui said. "There are no sides in this. All lives matter.
"I'm just glad for the men and women of our great city that this business owner does not represent the feelings of most Detroiters, who in my experience, have embraced their officers in support," Tosqui said.
Mark Diaz, president of the Detroit Police Officers Association union, said officers are calling for a boycott of the Detroit BBQ Company.
"This guy is well within his right to say what he wants, since this is America, and we have free speech," Diaz said. "But we're also within our rights to say we don't want to spend our money at his place of business.
"What bothers me is, instead of saying 'Thanks to the Detroit Police officers who patrol near my truck and keep me safe so I can make a living for my family,' he says this. That's why the word is spreading to not patronize his business."
Also Monday, Warren-based Kuhnhenn Brewing Co., which allowed the Detroit BBQ Co. to sell food at its brewery on Chicago Road near Mound, posted on its Facebook page: "Dear fans and supporters. Detroit BBQ Company will not be providing food here onsite at the brewery for the time being. Please remember that we are businesses independent of one another."
The post added: "Beyond that, we have no official statement at this time."