57 police officers in Buffalo, New York, have resigned from the force’s emergency response team following the suspension of two officers who assaulted a 75-year-old protester.
The footage, shows the man walking up to uniformed officers in Buffalo’s Niagara Square during a demonstration against police brutality and over George Floyd’s death. The officers, who had begun enforcing curfew, yell what sounds like “move!” and “push him back!” One officer can be seen pushing the man with an outstretched arm, while another shoves a baton into him. A third officer appears to shove colleagues toward the man.
The man falls to the ground. His head whips backward onto the pavement with a thud, and then he lies motionless.
Following the incident, The two officers were suspended without pay and are now under criminal investigation.
As a result of the suspension, WIVB reporter, Dave Greber confirmed in a tweet that a total of about 57 officers resigned on Friday. He also said they are still employed, but no longer on ERT.
Mayor Byron Brown also issued a statement, saying the city is aware of these resignations.
“The City of Buffalo is aware of developments related to the work assignments of certain members of the Buffalo police force. At this time, we can confirm that contingency plans are in place to maintain police services and ensure public safety within our community. The Buffalo police continue to actively work with the New York State Police and other cooperating agencies.”
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“If they resigned, I’m exceptionally disappointed by it because it indicates to me that they did not see anything wrong with the actions last night,” Poloncarz said.