In a recent development, a Pennsylvania state trooper involved in the arrest of two leaders from Philadelphia's LGBTQ community has been fired, according to the Pennsylvania State Trooper Association. The trooper, who had been on the job for just six months, was terminated after an incident on I-76 earlier this spring. The association's president, Stephen Polishan, expressed disappointment in the department's handling of the situation.

While the trooper's identity remains undisclosed, Lt. Adam Reed, a state police spokesperson, confirmed that the trooper is no longer employed by the agency. Reed refrained from providing further details, citing personnel matters as the reason for his silence.

The incident occurred on the morning of March 2 when Celena Morrison-McLean, the executive director of the Office of LGBT Affairs in Philadelphia, and her husband Darius McLean were arrested following a traffic stop and an intense confrontation on the Vine Street Expressway. A video, recorded by Morrison-McLean, went viral on social media, showing McLean on the highway's shoulder, pleading with the trooper for leniency.

According to initial reports from state police, the trooper stopped Morrison-McLean for multiple vehicle code violations, such as an expired and suspended registration, lack of illuminated headlights in the rain, illegally tinted windows, and driving too close to another vehicle. After the confrontation, police recommended charging both individuals with various offenses, including resisting arrest and obstruction of justice. However, the district attorney's office declined to press charges, leading to their release several hours after their arrest.

Morrison-McLean, 51, has been an influential figure in Philadelphia's LGBTQ community since 2020, serving as the city's executive director of the Office of LGBT Affairs. City officials believe she is likely the first openly transgender person to lead any city office or department. Her husband, McLean, 35, holds positions as the chief operating officer of the William Way Community Center and director of the Arcila-Adams Trans Resource Center.

In the aftermath of the arrest, the couple expressed concerns for their safety during the incident. They recounted the trooper aggressively approaching McLean's car with drawn weapons and shouting expletives. Morrison-McLean started recording the encounter with her phone.

Stephen Polishan, the president of the Pennsylvania State Trooper Association, asserted that McLean's decision to stop behind the trooper's vehicle disrupted what could have been a routine traffic stop. Polishan also alleged that McLean's car had illegally tinted windows and claimed that he ignored orders to leave the scene. He justified the trooper's actions, stating that the arrest took place when both individuals refused to cooperate and follow orders.

The couple intends to pursue legal action against the trooper, but they have not yet filed a lawsuit. Their attorney, Kevin Mincey, confirmed that they were in the process of preparing a suit and intended to move forward with it.

The fired trooper had been placed on restricted duty pending an internal investigation into the incident. Lt. Adam Reed confirmed that the investigation is ongoing.

This development highlights the complexities surrounding the arrest of LGBTQ leaders and the need for transparent and fair law enforcement practices. As the legal proceedings advance and the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen how this incident will impact future relationships between law enforcement and the LGBTQ community in Philadelphia and beyond.