The Secret Service is downplaying reports that a Washington, D.C., police officer made a threat against first lady Michelle Obama during Wednesday morning roll call, NBC News reported. The police officer was removed from his unit and placed on administrative duties.

But the agency is not concerned that the remark made by the officer constitutes any kind of actual threat. “Pump the brakes on this one,” a Secret Service official told NBC.

Read more on the story at NBC Washington

The police officer is a member of the official motorcade unit, according to the Washington, D.C. police and the Secret Service. A police lieutenant heard the officer making what he described as a threatening comment.

According to the Washington Post, the officer allegedly said he would shoot the first lady and then pulled up a photo of a gun on his cell phone.

Officials familiar with what happen say that it was a bad joke made by someone who should have known better. The officer, who is represented by the police union, has retained a lawyer. 

"We're aware of it and taking the appropriate steps," said an official for the Secret Service.

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