Two police officers have been suspended after a video showed them pushing a 75-year-old man to the ground, and walking away as blood poured out of his ears.
Footage taken by a local reporter shows the man, who remains identified, walking towards a line of officers in riot gear in Buffalo City, in New York, during the 10th day of protests, following the killing of George Floyd.
George Floyd, a black man, was arrested by Minneapolis police on Monday, May 25, for reportedly using a counterfeit $20 note in a store. While being detained, ex-cop Derek Chauvin - a 19-year veteran of the force - knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes.
Protests, both peaceful and violent, have since erupted across the US and in major cities across the world.
As the man can be seen trying to speak to law enforcement, one police official pushes him with a baton, and a second with his hand. The man then staggers back before falling and hitting his head on the pavement.
The sound of a large crack is heard and he can be seen bleeding as he lies without movement on the ground.
Per WKBW, police initially said that "one person tripped" during the incident in Niagara Square, however, the footage makes it clear that law enforcement pushed the individual. Buffalo Police Commissioner, Byron Lockwood, has since ordered the suspension of the two officers involved.
According to some bystanders at the scene, the 75-year-old man was reportedly attempting to return a helmet to the officers.
He has allegedly been taken to the Erie County Medical Center, and is in a stable but serious condition.
Mayor Byron Brown has condemned the incident, stating that he was "deeply disturbed" by the clip.
He also confirmed that Lockwood has ordered an immediate investigation into the incident, and that the two officials 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," Mayor Brown said.
New York state governor, Andrew Cuomo, also denounced the scene as "utterly disgraceful."
Buffalo has been ordering a curfew from 8 pm to 5 am every night. It is expected to last until at least Sunday, the 7th of June.
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