Muslim Officer Files Racial Religious Discrimination Lawsuit Against Melvindale Police

Corporal Hassan Hammoud, a Lebanese Muslim officer with the Melvindale Police Department since 2021, has filed a lawsuit alleging systemic racial and religious discrimination within the department. Hammoud claims he was subjected to harassment including racist remarks, hateful speech, and targeted acts such as having Bibles, crucifixes, nude photos, and a pizza delivery job application placed in his locker to mock his faith and push him out. The lawsuit also alleges that officers used code words like "let’s go hunt" and "04" to target African American residents, particularly near the Detroit-Melvindale border. Despite repeated complaints to supervisors and human resources, Hammoud says the department failed to investigate or address the misconduct, and he faced retaliation and ostracization for standing against racism. Hammoud has been on administrative leave since January 2025 citing mental health issues caused by the hostile work environment. His attorney described the situation as a deeply disturbing culture of racism and bigotry within the Melvindale Police Department that also impacts the community it serves.