An elderly protester was the latest victim of the police tactics being used against anti-racism protesters across the US, sparked by the death of George Floyd.
Video shows the 75-year-old, white-haired man bleeding from a head injury after he was pushed by a police officer in Buffalo, New York.
The video, filmed by local radio station WBFO, shows the man walking towards a line of police officers who were clearing people from a city square as a curfew started.
Two officers can be seen pushing at the man, one using his baton and the other using his hand, forcing him to fall backwards and hit his head on the pavement.
The video shows the officer with the baton start to lean over him before he is motioned away by another officer. Someone is heard calling for a medic.
On Friday the man, who has not been identified, was in a stable but serious condition at Erie County Medical Centre Hospital in Buffalo, and two police officers had been suspended.
“Police officers must enforce - NOT ABUSE - the law,” New York Governor Andrew Cuomo tweeted, referring to the Buffalo incident, which happened on Thursday. He said what he had seen on the video was “wholly unjustified and utterly disgraceful”.
The Buffalo incident has been called a sign of what is wrong with policing in America, in a week that has seen peaceful protests, violent looting and demonstrations across the country.
Floyd died in Minneapolis on May 25 after police officer Derek Chauvin was recorded kneeling on Floyd’s neck for nearly nine minutes during an arrest.
Mr Chauvin, who has since been suspended, now faces second-degree murder charges. Three others have also been charged.
“The casual cruelty demonstrated by Buffalo police officers tonight is gut-wrenching and unacceptable,” John Curr, the Buffalo chapter director for the New York Civil Liberties Union, said.
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A woman wipes away tears during a memorial service for George Floyd following his death in Minneapolis police custody, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Reuters -
The casket containing the body of George Floyd are taken to a memorial service in his honor in Minneapolis, Minnesota. AFP -
American civil rights activist Rev Al Sharpton arrives for the memorial service in honour of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota. AFP -
The casket of George Floyd is seen during a memorial service in his honour on June 4, 2020. AFP -
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey pays respect during a memorial service for George Floyd. Reuters -
Reverend Al Sharpton speaks during a memorial service for George Floyd. Reuters -
The casket containing the remains of George Floyd is seen during a memorial service. AFP -
The body of George Floyd is carried from Trask Worship Center at North Central University following a memorial service in Minneapolis, Minnesota. AFP -
People react to George Floyd's funeral car after the service. Reuters -
A hearse carrying a casket of George Floyd departs. Reuters
Mr Curr said it should be a “wake-up call” for city leaders to address police violence.
Buffalo police initially stated the man was “injured when he tripped & fell,” but police captain Jeff Rinaldo later said an investigation had been opened by the police misconduct unit.
The Mayor of Buffalo, Byron Brown, said he was “deeply disturbed” by the video.
“After days of peaceful protests and several meetings between myself, police leadership and members of the community, tonight’s event is disheartening,” he said.
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Demonstrators observe a minute's silence in Canberra, Australia on Friday, June 5, 2020 in memory of deaths in custody including George Floyd. AP Photo -
South Korean protesters take a moment of silence during a protest over the death of George Floyd near the US embassy in Seoul. AP Photo -
Black Lives Matter protesters march towards Parliament House in Canberra. EPA -
Palestinians hold banners as they attend a rally to show their support for George Floyd in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. AFP
