Secret Service investigating alleged threat by D.C. police officer against Michelle Obama

— -- A Washington, D.C. police officer has been removed from his unit and placed on leave over remarks he allegedly made about first lady Michelle Obama — but the Secret Service is downplaying the controversy, msnbc.com reports.

The Washington Post reports the officer who worked as a motorcycle escort for White House officials "allegedly said he would shoot the First Lady and then used his phone to retrieve a picture of the firearm he said he would use."

The motorman reportedly made the comments Wednesday morning as several officers from the Special Operations Division discussed threats against the Obamas.

Officials familiar with the situation say that it was a bad joke made by someone who should have known better, according to msnbc.com.

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

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