"They have incorrectly stated the gesture was in support of an elected official. This is simply not true."

This is a crock of shit. Police Chiefs generally are appointed by the Mayor of a given area. Meaning the Mayor ultimately is their Boss. With all that entails.

So if the Mayor said or recommended they kneel. The Chief would kneel or face the risk of a formal or informal punishment. Whether that be the Mayor slashing the police budget, or straight up being fired.

Not guaranteeing that would have occurred but it would still be a risk.

A vote of TOTAL non-confidence in the leadership.

Let's see how those commies like the mayor do without anyone between them and the mob.