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KSTP report claims Mayor flashed gang sign, prompts #pointergate

An allegation that Mayor Betsy Hodges flashed "a known gang sign" in a photo has created some buzz on social media, according to the Star Tribune.

 

According to a KSTP TV report, Hodges is shown posing with a man twice-convicted on charges of drug selling and possession and illegal possession of a firearm.

 

Several law enforcement sources told KSTP the sign is associated with a gang in North side Minneapolis.

 

The man featured in the photo is Navell Gordon, according to the Star Tribune, who is an organizer for Neighborhoods Organizing for Change.

 

The nonprofit organization posted a video of Gordon on the day of canvassing.

 

"I can't vote. I'm not ashamed to say that. But I'm working on fixing that right now so I can be able to vote for my next president," he said in the video.

 

According to a statement from Hodges's office to KSTP, the canvassing event included "a diverse group, including people who have made mistakes in their past."

 

Hodges' office told the Star Tribune Friday that the mayor and Gordon were pointing at each other in the photo.

 

The allegation sparked the creation of a growing national trend on Twitter known as #pointergate. Many users defend the mayor's use of the sign and post photos of celebrities displaying a similar gesture.

 

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