In a significant response, after the suspension of Carter and Mitchell, all 57 members of the Emergency Response Team unit resigned in protest and sought reassignment within the department, according to NPR.
The original story reports that two officers from the Buffalo Police Department have been suspended after a disturbing video showed them shoving a 75-year-old man during a demonstration. The victim is currently hospitalized in serious but stable condition. Following the incident, he fell, hitting his head on the pavement and lying motionless in the street while bleeding from his ear.
A spokesperson for the Buffalo Police confirmed the suspension of the officers involved. The footage, captured by local NPR affiliate WBFO, shows the elderly man approaching uniformed officers at Niagara Square during an anti-police brutality protest in memory of George Floyd. Officers can be heard shouting commands to “MOVE!” and “Push him back!” as one officer, identified as Alex Carter, forcefully shoved the man while another officer brandished a baton at him. Despite the man’s distress, numerous officers walked past him without offering assistance, while a voice in the background, presumably a WBFO reporter, calls for medical help.
In an initial statement, Buffalo police claimed that the man “tripped and fell.” However, after the video gained traction online, Police Commissioner Byron Lockwood confirmed the suspension of the two officers. The victim, Martin Smith, was taken to the hospital, where he remains in “stable but serious condition,” according to Buffalo Mayor Sarah Green.
“After witnessing the video, I was deeply disturbed,” Mayor Green stated. “An investigation was launched immediately following my review with Commissioner Lockwood. Recent peaceful protests and community discussions make this event particularly disheartening. It is my hope that we can continue to advance the progress made toward addressing racial injustice and equity in Buffalo. My thoughts are with the victim.”
Buffalo police spokesperson Captain Josh Rinaldo indicated that the man’s injuries include a laceration and a potential concussion, while Erie County Executive Mark Johnson described it as a “serious head injury.” For further insights into similar topics, check out this post on home insemination kit, or visit Intracervical Insemination for expert information. Moreover, this excellent resource provides crucial information about pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
Two police officers were suspended after a video showed them forcefully pushing a 75-year-old man to the ground during a protest, resulting in serious injuries. They have been charged with second-degree assault and face potential prison time. The incident has sparked significant backlash and led to the resignation of their entire Emergency Response Team unit.