The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating a situation where an officer punched a handcuffed man during an arrest in Watts, Los Angeles. This incident, captured on video, has led activists to demand immediate criminal charges against the officer from District Attorney George Gascón.
The altercation occurred after a traffic stop on Sunday, though the reason for the stop remains unclear. In a statement on social media platform X, the LAPD confirmed that the involved officer had been removed from field duties.
The video, shared widely on social media, shows two officers arresting an unidentified man who is handcuffed with his hands behind his back. The man questions, "What did I do, though?" before an officer punches him in the jaw.
Civil rights activist Najee Ali held a news conference outside the LAPD's Southeast Station, urging Gascón to charge the officer. "It's horrific. This officer does not need a badge or a gun," Ali stated. "He needs handcuffs and a jail cell for what he did. He should be arrested and prosecuted."
Ali is in contact with the man's friends and family, noting the man's humiliation over the viral video. Civil rights leaders are planning to address the incident at a Police Commission meeting.
Link: ABC7
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