May 04, 2020

Andrew Campbell 

The mayor of New York City, Bill de Blasio, has seen the shocking video from the Lower East Side while the NYPD plainclothes officers on May 2 broke up a group of people violating social distancing orders in Manhattan’s East Village.

When the NYPD officers approached Shakiem Brunson, 31, and Ashley Serrano, 22, on May 2 for not following social distancing orders on Avenue D and East 9th Street. Brunson and Serrano reportedly refused to disperse and Brunson was arrested with the unlawful procession of marijuana. Later, they were charged with criminal possession of a weapon, disorderly conduct, obstructing government administration, and resisting arrest.

After their arrest during social distancing patrol by NYPD officers, the outrage and protest of bystanders led to the violent arrest of 33-year-old Donni Wright. Officer Francisco Garcia was seen showing the Taser to threaten and punched Wright. Minutes after the arrest bystanders decried and shouted the police’s excessive use of force, prompting Officer Garcia to threaten the crowd with his stun gun.

Mayor Bill de Blasio denounced the behavior of Officer Garcia is simply not acceptable and would begin an investigation on what had happened. Officer Garcia has been placed on modified duty for an investigation.

Photo:Webshot.