Two US police officers have been suspended in Buffalo, New York after being filmed pushing a 75-year old man to the ground then walking off, leaving him bleeding.
Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown issued a statement following the incident saying: “I was deeply disturbed by the video.
“After days of peaceful protests and several meetings between myself, police leadership and members of the community, tonight’s event is disheartening.
“Tonight, after a physical altercation between two separate groups of protesters participating in an illegal demonstration beyond the curfew, two Buffalo Police officers knocked down a 75-year-old man. The victim is in stable but serious condition at ECMC.
“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.
“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. My thoughts are with the victim tonight.”
Governor Andrew Cuomo called the incident “wholly unjustified and utterly disgraceful.”
New York Civil Liberties Union, in a statement said, “the casual cruelty demonstrated by Buffalo police officer’s tonight is gut-wrenching and unacceptable.”
Buffalo Chapter Director John Curr added, “We are in solidarity with Buffalo’s protesters and demand that demonstrators can protest without the threat of police brutality on the streets tomorrow.”
“Simply put, the officers must be held responsible for their actions, not just fired,” said Poloncarz, in a tweet.
“The video was deeply disturbing, and the actions taken were wrong. We need a prompt investigation and full accountability,” said US Senator Charles Schumer (D), in a statement.
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