Today from the file of stories that would be simply ridiculous if they didn’t reveal sad realities of life in America: during a get out the vote drive, Minneapolis mayor Betsy Hodges posed for a photo with a black constituent, only to be slammed by local police as “throwing up gang signs.”

“Is this something that could incite gang violence in the city?” the head of a police union asked the ABC affiliate who covered the story. He posed his question with a straight face. Paraphrasing a retired cop, the broadcaster for the segment added, “the photo creates a safety problem for every gang unit in the metro.”

Hodges and the man in the photo are seen pointing at each other. A voiceover informs the viewer that the mayor and man are doing “a known gang sign for a north-side gang.”

The man in question is Navell Gordon, whom the Daily Kos identified as a volunteer for Neighborhoods Organizing for Change. Another video shows Gordon and Hodges awkwardly trying to figure out how to pose for a photo. And another photo from the scene reveals that Minneapolis police chief Janeé Harteau was actually present as well. Harteau declined to comment for the local news broadcast’s hysteria-driven segment.

Hodges had previously criticized the police force, and told residents that she was aware that “some officers abuse the trust that is afforded to them, and take advantage of their roles to do harm rather than prevent it.” It appears as though some officers have found a way to strike back with an assist from KTSP, the ABC affiliate.

“It’s a story you’ll see only on [channel] 5,” the station’s anchor said while introducing the segment. That’s hardly a compliment.

Why would Mayor Hodges flash gang signs with 2x convicted felon? Find out why police are fuming in ten minutes on 5 at ten.

— Jay Kolls (@JayKollsKSTP) November 7, 2014