Trigger warning: The following article contains graphic content that some readers may find traumatic. Discretion is advised.
COLUMBIA, MISSOURI: A criminal investigation is underway following a disturbing incident in Columbia, Missouri, where a police officer was captured on video punching a drunk man while pinning him to the ground after being tased. The infuriating video, which has gained widespread attention on the internet, shows two police officers and two security guards forcibly restraining a man outside a nearby bar while he repeatedly asked them, "Please just tell me what is going on."
Amidst the alarming increase in cases of police brutality, another disturbing incident unfolded as five police officers mercilessly beat 29-year-old Tyre Nichols to death during a routine traffic stop. The incident has sparked outrage and raised serious concerns about the excessive use of force by law enforcement.
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'I don't understand what is going on?'
In the video, the officers and guards are seen holding the man down, while one of the officers peppers him with mace. One of the security guards back off as the police shout at him to "get on the ground." The man could be repeatedly heard saying, "I don't understand what is going on." "I don't understand what's going on, can you explain to me what's going on." As the man repeatedly asks for an explanation, questioning his arrest, the officer who has him pinned to the ground deploys a taser and proceeds to punch him in the face multiple times. Blood can be seen flowing from the man's face in the disturbing footage.
Throughout the incident, the man continues to plea for clarification, asking the officers to explain the situation. The officer who initially punched him then employs his taser once again, targeting the man's legs. Shocked bystanders behind the camera express their horror, urging the officer to stop and emphasizing that the man is confused about what is happening. One bystander behind the camera can be heard saying, "He is punching him in the face, oh my god." Another says, "Stop. He doesn't know what is going on man."
'Police use of force must be reasonable!'
Despite their pleas, the two officers persist in restraining the man, eventually managing to handcuff him after repeatedly instructing him to place his hands behind his back.
The reason for the man's arrest remains unclear, and it is uncertain whether the involved police officers have been placed on leave while the incident is under investigation. Although, Columbia Police Chief Geoff Jones released a statement on Monday, announcing that he has requested the Boone County Sheriff's Department to conduct a criminal investigation into the officers' actions.
He said, "At my request, an independent criminal investigation into the officers' conduct is being conducted by the Boone County Sheriff’s Office," Daily Mail reports. "The criminal investigation is already underway, and CPD will provide all available reports and recordings to the Sheriff’s Office. Police use of force must be reasonable. We are thankful for those who brought this to our attention."
'That cop should face the law'
Internet users had mixed reactions to the man's violent arrest. One user tweeted, "Couldn’t the cops see that he was white and obviously has privilege." Another added, "That cop should face the law and do 10 years inside." A third claimed, "Now, if that guy on the floor had been black, he'd be set up for his lottery ticket." A fourth tweeted, "I'm Pro Police. But if that guy did nothing (lack of footage), then the cop is a piece of shit and deserves to do time." "God forbid this idiot puts his hands behind his back. We all know what kind of games he was playing," read a comment.
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online
