Shooter incident at elementary school in Uvalde, Texas - 19 children and 2 adults dead

It is admittedly difficult to tell by the photos I’ve seen, but to me, it looks like it wasn’t the plain Punisher logo. It looks like it also has a flag blended in with it.

In many instance, cops will blend the Thin Blue Line flag (or just colors) with the Punisher logo. IF that is what this officer had on his phone, then it reads (to me) as being less of “I think the logo is cool” and more of a statement.

I agree that there are far more important things than this particular picture in this particular situation. But to me, it’s about this collective use of this Punisher iconography by police while on duty.

It is sewn onto the sleeves of their uniforms, patched onto their tactical vests, painted on helmets, stuck on the windows & painted on the hoods of their squad cars. While I can’t know the hearts & minds of each individual, I have a hard time believing that it is, for the most part, about liking the logo or the pathos of Frank Castle (especially when often mixed with thin blue line stuff).

I mean, there have been multiple investigations into “cowboy” groups of cops who allegedly refer to themselves as “The Punishers”.

Regardless of cool factor and how interesting the comics can be, that logo is a symbol of intimidation and death. That’s how Frank Castle uses it. I don’t think you even need to be a Marvel fan to know that. Even completely divorced from The Punisher, it’s a fierce & intimidating looking skull. What kind of message does that send to citizens watching cop cars display that symbol while driving around their neighborhoods, or cops wearing it on their sleeves while they watch you?

Regardless of the reason, in my humble opinion, officers who who display that logo on their car, uniform, etc. while on the job, are at best sending a mixed message & creating a perception problem (and potentially escalating situations). At worst, it’s a red flag about what that officer believes they are allowed to do (especially when you see groups of cops all wearing/displaying it).

If you are a fan, buy all the comics, posters, and memorabilia you want. But I don’t think it should be displayed while you protect and serve.