Bronx Defenders accused of being in music video that shows guns to police officers' heads

MELROSE (WABC) -- A group of defense lawyers in the Bronx, funded by taxpayers, are in serious trouble after an investigation into a rap video that shows men with guns pointed at the heads of police officers.

The Bronx Defenders provide legal aid to people who can't afford it, and it accepts $20 million a year in city funding.

The song is called "Hands Up" and the music video is graphic.

It shows two rappers pointing guns at a man portraying a police officer. The lyrics say "For Mike Brown and Sean Bell a cop got to get killed."

But it's the Bronx Defenders alleged involved in the video that caught the attention of the New York City Department of Investigation in early December.

"We were appalled that lawyers who are part of the criminal justice system that are funded by city tax payer dollars would willingly take part in a video that they knew advocated the killing of police officers. That is absolutely unacceptable behavior," said Mark Peters, of DOI.

Commissioner Mark Peters confirms that part of the music video was filmed at the Bronx Defenders office and two staffers appeared in the footage.

The Bronx Defenders released a written statement says (it) "never approved the music video "Hands Up", and never saw it before it went online. We deeply regret any involvement with this video."

Mayor Bill de Blasio refused to comment about the investigation at an unrelated event Thursday night.

Police union president Pat Lynch feels the Bronx Defenders should be shut down immediately and permanently saying, "It is clear that Bronx Defenders who knowingly participated in this despicable video calling for the murder of police officers have violated their oath as officers of the court and should be disbarred as a result."

The DOI is trying to figure out what the punishment would be, it could be suspension.