U.S. President Donald Trump has come to the defense of Buffalo police officers suspended for assaulting a 75-year-old man, claims he faked the fall.
Few days ago, a 75-year old peace activist, Martin Gugino approached on-duty police officers in Niagara Square during BLM protests. Two officers, identified as Aaron Torgalski and Robert McCabe, appear to shove him, causing him to fall to the ground, thereby cracking his head on the pavement. The police kept on walking even as blood began gushing from his head.
The two officers were suspended and charged over the weekend with second degree assault, which resulted in the resignation of 57 other police officers.
On Tuesday, Trump reacted to the incident. He claimed the man faked his fall and alleged him to be an ANTIFA provocateur.
Trump tweeted: “Buffalo protester shoved by Police could be an ANTIFA provocateur. 75 year old Martin Gugino was pushed away after appearing to scan police communications in order to black out the equipment. @OANN. I watched, he fell harder than was pushed. Was aiming scanner. Could be a set up?”
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According to the Washington Post, Gugino is a member of two nonprofits: PUSH Buffalo, which focuses on affordable housing, and the Western New York Peace Center, a human rights organization. He is also part of the Catholic Worker Movement and politically active on social media, frequently criticizing Trump.