TOPLINE
All 57 members of the Buffalo Police Department's Emergency Response Team resigned Friday from the unit in an apparent show of support for two officers who were suspended without pay after being filmed pushing a 75-year-old man to the ground Thursday night.
ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA -- Riot Police from multiple jurisdictions move into position on Hamline Ave as ... [+]
KEY FACTS
Friday afternoon, multiple outlets began reporting that the entire Emergency Response Team, a total of 57 officers, resigned from their tactical unit to display solidarity with two suspended officers.
The president of the union representing Buffalo police officers later confirmed that the entire ERT had resigned.
This all stemmed from an encounter between police and an apparent protester Thursday evening, shortly after Buffalo's curfew began, that was filmed; the video quickly went viral Thursday night.
The video shows a cluster of police officers in riot gear walking across Niagara Square when an elderly man approached and tried to talk with the officers.
Someone can be heard shouting, "Push him back!" One officer raises his baton over the man, while another pushes the man's chest.
The 75-year-old man, later identified as Martin Gugino, falls to the ground backward and lies, apparently unresponsive, as a pool of blood is seen slowly forming under his head.
The Buffalo Police Department's initial statement was that "one person was injured when he tripped & fell" in a skirmish between police and protesters; however, after the video started spreading, Police Commissioner Byron Lockwood suspended the officers and opened an investigation.
Key Background:
The Emergency Response Team members have not quit the police department, but have stepped down from the tactical unit, according to The Buffalo News sources. According to Buffalo Police Benevolent Association President John Evans, the two suspended officers were merely following directives and that the 75-year-old man slipped. "Our position is these officers were simply following orders from Deputy Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia to clear the square," said Evans. "It doesn't specify clear the square of men, 50 and under or 15 to 40. They were simply doing their job. I don't know how much contact was made. He did slip in my estimation. He fell backwards." As of late Friday afternoon, the top message on the Buffalo's police union webpage read: "These guys did nothing but do what they were ordered to do. This is disgusting !!!”
Tangent:
Mayor Byron Brown issued a statement Friday acknowledging he was informed of the 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." More protests are anticipated this weekend in Buffalo. The 75-year-old man reportedly suffered a concussion and lacerations. He was listed in serious but stable condition at a local hospital Thursday night. On Friday morning, his status was updated as being "alert and oriented."
Critical Quote:
"The casual cruelty demonstrated by Buffalo police officers tonight is gut-wrenching and unacceptable," said the New York Civil Liberties Union via a statement Thursday night.
Further Reading:
57 members of Buffalo police riot response team resign (Buffalo News)
Two Buffalo police officers suspended after elderly man shoved and injured (NPR)
Buffalo Police Suspend Two Officers Over Video Showing Elderly Man Pushed To The Ground (Forbes)
