KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Transport Authority (TA) says an internal investigation has been initiated into a video circulating on social media depicting one of its employees drawing a firearm during a road operation.

Viral footage captured a tense standoff between Transport Authority officers and a group of civilians during what appeared to be an attempt to seize a vehicle. The situation escalated when a man engaged in a heated argument with one official before he stormed out of the frame. Shortly after, a second TA officer approached the same man saying, “Step back, step back” as he pulled his gun.

Ignoring him, the man attempted to obstruct the vehicle by placing a stone under the tyre, before telling the officer who had pulled his firearm, “So shoot me then”. A policeman then emerged from the vehicle as the verbal altercation continued.

In a statement on Monday, the authority said it wishes to “unequivocally state that this type of conduct does not form any part of its training protocols and is not aligned with its standard operating procedures or public interaction policy”.

It indicated that as part of the ongoing investigation, the officer involved has been removed from frontline duties with immediate effect.

The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and the Firearm Licensing Authority (FLA) have both been engaged in the process to ensure a comprehensive review of the incident.

The authority added that it expects all employees to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with its values, including the principles of courtesy, professionalism, good customer service, and respect for all Jamaicans.

The authority also assured the public that it remains committed to ensuring efficient, safe and reliable public transportation services.