Authorities probe threat to first lady

WASHINGTON -- If your job is protecting the first lady's motorcade, mouthing off about the boss can lead to more than a citation in a personnel file.

A District of Columbia police officer found that out this week when he came under investigation for threatening comments he was accused of making about first lady Michelle Obama, though police are still trying to figure out exactly what was said, Police Chief Cathy Lanier said Friday.

Authorities have not identified the officer, a 17-year department veteran assigned to a unit that provides a motor escort for the White House and other dignitaries.

The Washington Post cited anonymous police officials in reporting that the officer told colleagues he would shoot the first lady and then showed a photo on his phone of a gun he would use.

The department's internal affairs division and the Secret Service are investigating and taking statements from officers who heard them. The officer has been placed on paid desk duty.