In shocking footage an elderly man has been pushed to the ground by police in Buffalo, New York, causing him to fall backwards, hit his head, knocking him unconscious and causing him to bleed profusely from his ears.
The incident apparently occurred after the 8pm New York curfew on Thursday. In the video the 75 year-old man appears to gently walk towards advancing police officers with what looks like a helmet in his hand. His approach to the large advancing crowd of officers is slow and entirely unthreatening – with some suggesting he was looking to pass the helmet to the officers or ask them a question.
One officer then knocks him to the ground causing his injuries. As he lies unconscious one officer looks to go and assist him but is pulled back by others and told to continue marching. Several other police then walk by his still body. He is currently believed to be in a serious but stable condition in hospital. Such head injuries, particularly when sustained at an older age, can have a devastating impact on health and wellbeing and can certainly kill in some circumstances.
The footage which has gone viral and watched over 42 million people is below:
Just about an hour ago, police officers shove man in Niagara Square to the ground (WARNING: Graphic). Video from: @MikeDesmondWBFO pic.twitter.com/JBKQLvzfET
— WBFO (@WBFO) June 5, 2020
Two officers have now been suspended by the police force. Online activists believe they know they identity of the officer and have revealed it online after taking note of his name printed on his uniform and carrying out an online investigation.
The mayor of Buffalo stated his opposition to the actions of the officers saying:
“I was deeply disturbed by the video as was Buffalo Police Commissioner Byron Lockwood. He directed an immediate investigation into the matter, and the two officers have been suspended without pay.”
— Byron W. Brown (@MayorByronBrown) June 5, 2020
Governor Andrew Cuomo added to the mayor’s statement by stating:
“I’ve spoken with Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown and we agree that the officers involved should be immediately suspended pending a formal investigation. Police Officers must enforce — NOT ABUSE — the law.”
This incident is wholly unjustified and utterly disgraceful.
— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) June 5, 2020
I've spoken with Buffalo @MayorByronBrown and we agree that the officers involved should be immediately suspended pending a formal investigation.
Police Officers must enforce — NOT ABUSE — the law. https://t.co/EYIbTlXnPt
In the protests, which show no sign of immediately abating, over 9,000 people have been arrested, curfews have been imposed in 29 cities and the National Guard has been called upon in 25 states. It is also believed that as many as 11 people have been killed. However, in regard to the deaths it is as of yet unclear as to the nature of these incidents and whether these killings were necessarily related to the protests themselves.
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