Two Buffalo police officers have been suspended after video footage captures them pushing a 75-year-old man during protests.
What We Know:
- The incident occurred Thursday night in Buffalo, New York when law enforcement officers, were clearing an area and encountered the elderly man. As heard on the video, an officer says, “Push him back”. Officers Robert McCabe and Aaron Torgalski are seen pushing the man while one uses his baton. The man fell backwards onto the ground and is seen bleeding. One officer calls for an EMT as the other officers walk past the man without helping him.
- The Buffalo Police Department Commissioner, Bryon Lockwood immediately suspended the two officers and an internal investigation has been launched.
- The man has been listed in stable condition via Buffalo mayor Byron Brown’s Twitter. He stated that the protestors were participating in an “illegal demonstration”.
— Byron W. Brown (@MayorByronBrown) June 5, 2020
- Mayor Brown said, “I was deeply disturbed by the video, as was Buffalo Police Commissioner Byron Lockwood. After days of peaceful protests and several meetings between myself, Police leadership and members of the community, tonight’s event is disheartening. I hope to continue to build on the progress we have achieved as we work together to address racial injustice and inequity in the City of Buffalo.”
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
Fifty-seven officers resigned from the emergency response team but not the force after hearing the news of the two officers being suspended. These officers make up the entire response team unit. Mayor Brown says he does not intend to fire the two officers at fault but instead for them to get due process. As of Saturday, the two officers pleaded not guilty to second-degree assault and were released from jail without bail.
