Newark cop fired over citizen’s Facebook post calling mayor ‘gorilla’ plans appeal

A white Newark police lieutenant fired over a Facebook exchange that referred to the city's black mayor as a gorilla is appealing the decision and wants to return to the force.

NJ.com reports Anthony Caruso was terminated Friday following accusations he violated the police department's social media policy barring "disparaging" remarks.

An investigation was launched after a citizen sent police a screenshot of the Facebook post in July.

A retired officer posted to Caruso's feed a picture of a gorilla captioned "... How's your mayor?" The 23-year police veteran replied with the word "exactly" and four exclamation marks.

Caruso's attorney says his remarks had nothing to do with race. The attorney says Caruso will suffer financially if he's not reinstated as he's nearing his 25-year career milestone.

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