Two police officers from Buffalo have been suspended without pay following an incident where they forcefully pushed a 75-year-old man to the ground during a protest. The victim, identified as Martin Jenkins, sustained serious injuries and is currently hospitalized in stable condition. The disturbing footage, which has gone viral, shows the elderly man falling and hitting his head on the pavement, resulting in visible bleeding.
Following the incident, Erie County District Attorney John Flynn announced that the officers involved, identified as Derek Thompson and Chris Miller, have been charged with second-degree assault, a Class D felony. Both officers pleaded not guilty, with the law categorizing the charges as felonies because of the victim’s age. If convicted, each officer faces a maximum sentence of seven years in prison. “The law is clear,” Flynn stated. “Any victim aged 65 or older makes the crime a felony if the assailant is at least ten years younger.”
In response to the suspension of their colleagues, all 57 members of the Emergency Response Team resigned from their positions on Friday, seeking different roles within the department, according to reports from the media.
The incident occurred during an anti-police brutality demonstration in Niagara Square, where Jenkins approached the officers. Witnesses heard officers yelling commands such as “MOVE!” and “Push him back!” as Thompson pushed Jenkins, while Miller used his baton against him. After the elderly man fell, several officers walked past him without offering assistance or calling for medical help, further exacerbating the situation.
Initially, the Buffalo Police Department claimed that Jenkins “tripped and fell.” However, after the video’s release garnered widespread attention, Police Commissioner Mark Davis confirmed the suspension of the two officers. Mayor Clara Johnson expressed her dismay upon viewing the footage, stating, “I was deeply disturbed by the video, and I share the concerns of our community. We must continue working together to address issues of racial injustice and equity in Buffalo.”
Buffalo police spokesperson Capt. Sarah Rinaldo indicated that Jenkins suffered a laceration and a possible concussion, while additional reports from Erie County Executive Tim Poloncarz described his injuries as severe. The footage has emerged as part of a broader discussion about police conduct during protests across the country.
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In summary, the incident involving the elderly man and the police officers has sparked significant outrage and raised questions about police brutality and accountability during protests. The charges against the officers represent a step towards addressing these critical issues within law enforcement.