LAPD investigating after song mocking Michael Brown performed at Glendale Elks Lodge

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Wednesday, December 24, 2014
LAPD investigating after controversial Michael Brown song performed
The Los Angeles Police Department has launched an investigation following a viral video about a song that mocks Michael Brown.

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- The Los Angeles Police Department has launched an investigation following a viral video about a song that mocks Michael Brown, an unarmed teen who was fatally shot by a police officer in Ferguson, Missouri.

The video was taken at the Glendale Elks Lodge during a party put together by a retired LAPD officer, who is an Elks member.

Investigators are trying to determine if any current LAPD officers attended the event. Eyewitness News has chosen not to air the lyrics in the video.

"There was about 40 to 60 people here. Even the person who sponsored the event didn't know that this song was going to be sang. But the words and everything are deplorable and it's not what the Elks are about," said Jerry Stevens with Glendale Elks Lodge 1289.

LAPD Chief Charlie Beck tweeted Tuesday that he found the video "offensive and absurd."

Brown, 18, was shot on Aug. 9 by Ferguson police Officer Darren Wilson. Last month, a grand jury decided not to charge Wilson in the case, sparking protests across the country.

City News Service contributed to this report.