NORFOLK, VA – City Manager Chip Filer has accepted the recommendation of Norfolk Police Chief Larry D. Boone and Lieutenant William Kelly has been relieved of duty.
“I have reviewed the results of the internal investigation involving Lt. William Kelly. Chief Larry Boone and I have concluded Lt. Kelly’s actions are in violation of City and departmental policies. His egregious comments erode the trust between the Norfolk Police Department and those they are sworn to serve. The City of Norfolk has a standard of behavior for all employees, and we will hold staff accountable,” said Chip Filer, Ph.D. City Manager.
On April 16, 2021, Lt. Kelly was initially placed on administrative duty after reports were made that he donated and expressed support for the actions of Kyle Rittenhouse, who is charged with multiple felonies, including homicide.
“I want the residents of Norfolk to know that their police department will represent and uphold our organizational values of Service, Honor, Integrity, Equality, Leadership, and Diversity. A police department cannot do its job when the public loses trust with those whose duty is to serve and protect them. We do not want perceptions of any individual officer to undermine the relations between the Norfolk Police Department and the community. I ask the community to continue to support the officers of the Norfolk Police Department as in the past knowing that right now, at this moment, they are continuing to serve and protect them.” said Chief Larry D. Boone.
Lt. Kelly is afforded the right to appeal the decision in accordance with the City of Norfolk grievance procedure and applicable law.
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Media Contacts:
City of Norfolk: Lori Crouch, APR, Director of Communications media@norfolk.gov
Norfolk Police Department: Sgt. William Pickering, npdpio@norfolk.gov