An Arkansas State Police trooper resigned after his wife submitted dozens of racist text messages as evidence in divorce proceedings, revealing hateful rhetoric against minorities and women that shocked investigators and raised serious questions about his conduct while on duty.

Disturbing Messages Surface in Custody Battle

Michael Austin Kennedy, a father of two, left the Arkansas State Police on May 15, more than a month after his wife Alana filed for divorce and sole custody of their children. The complaint included text messages where Kennedy allegedly used racial slurs repeatedly and expressed white supremacist views. Alana told the court she feared Kennedy’s beliefs would poison their children’s minds and instill hatred in them. The children currently fear their father due to his constant expressions of hate and irrational thoughts, according to court documents.

The messages revealed Kennedy’s twisted ideology, including support for banishing Muslims from America and repealing the 19th Amendment that granted women voting rights. He frequently sent unprompted rants about drivers he assumed were intoxicated illegal immigrants and tirades against women and minorities. Kennedy regularly demeaned his wife for showing goodwill toward others, telling her she did not hate immigrants enough.

Abuse of Authority Alleged

Alana accused Kennedy of abusing his position as a state trooper, submitting selfies he allegedly sent showing himself posing with detained Hispanic individuals. Kennedy reportedly bragged about his new trophy in these messages. In one exchange, when Alana asked him to bring their son a drink, Kennedy responded he could not because of racial incidents in Little Rock. He claimed his duties preventing crime meant children with fathers could not see them.

Therapy Claims and Custody Conditions

Kennedy acknowledged the racist statements in his May 21 filing but claimed the texts were outdated and came before he sought therapy and spiritual guidance at their church. The most recent messages dated to January 2025, according to court filings. Alana stipulated that Kennedy’s visitation rights depend on completing a parenting course to limit the hatred and prejudice he holds toward others. Kennedy’s father, Lt. Col. Mike Kennedy, serves as deputy director of the Arizona State Police.