Mayor Marty Walsh placed his new police commissioner, Dennis White, on leave Wednesday night after The Boston Globe uncovered a 1999 domestic violence allegation involving White and his then-wife.
White, who was sworn in Monday, stepped into the role after former Commissioner William Gross abruptly retired. Walsh said in a statement that White will be on administrative leave while an investigation looks at the "disturbing" allegations.
"These disturbing issues were not known to me or my staff, but should have been at the forefront," Walsh said in a statement. "Upon learning of these serious allegations, I immediately acted, placing the commissioner on administrative leave, while corporation counsel engages outside counsel to conduct a full and impartial investigation."
A spokesperson confirmed that the mayor suspended White because of allegations, first reported by the Globe, that he was accused in 1999 of hitting and threatening to shoot his then-wife, who requested a restraining order against him that same year.
The news came as Walsh prepared for his confirmation hearing before a U.S. Senate panel Thursday to be President Joe Biden's labor secretary.
Superintendent-in-Chief Gregory Long will serve as acting commissioner while White is on leave, Walsh said.
This is a developing story.
