MAGA Hypocrisy: Who Are the Real Protest Agitators?

Phoenix Police Chief Matthew Giordano fired Sergeant Dusten Mullen on May 15, 2026, following Mullen’s conduct during a student-led anti-ICE protest earlier in the year.

The termination stems from an incident on January 30, 2026, at Hamilton High School in Chandler. According to Chandler police, Mullen arrived near the school during a student walkout, where he wore a mask and openly carried a handgun along with additional magazines.

Authorities reported that Mullen attempted to provoke the students during the demonstration, telling them to grow up.

Departmental Response

Chief Giordano stated that the decision to fire Mullen was based on the standards expected of law enforcement officers, regardless of their duty status.

Although he was off duty and not in uniform, the oath we take binds us to a higher standard. Community trust is not something we are owed; it is something we earn every day. Phoenix Police Chief Matthew Giordano

Giordano further noted that the department must address misconduct swiftly to maintain community trust.

Legal Challenges and Defense

Mullen has contested the actions taken by the city. In a lawsuit, he claimed that he did not identify himself as a police officer during the protest and stated he was in the area because his children attend Hamilton High School and he was concerned about the demonstration.

Mullen’s attorney, Steve Serbalik, stated that his client is disappointed by the firing. Serbalik argued that the City of Phoenix and Chief Giordano failed to conduct a thorough and fair investigation into the matter.

Prior to his termination, Mullen filed a preliminary injunction to stop a hearing regarding his employment. In that filing, he alleged that he was being retaliated against because of his political viewpoints.

Mullen had been placed on administrative leave in April 2026, approximately two months after the January protest. According to Mullen, this leave was a result of media attention surrounding the incident.