A criminal investigation is now underway into the actions of Buffalo Police Officer Corey Krug.
In exclusive 7 Eyewitness News video shot early Thanksgiving morning, Krug can be seen hitting a man multiple times with his baton on Chippewa Street.
A Buffalo Police source has confirmed to us that the FBI and U.S. Attorney's Office have copies of the video, which means a criminal investigation is now underway. Up until this point Buffalo Police had only launched an internal investigation, and suspended Krug without pay.
At a forum Tuesday night on Buffalo Police community relations, city residents spoke out on the video.
"To say the least it's scary. That just sums it up," said Rashawn Pennick. "It's scary because that could be you, a family member. Somebody you know."
U.S. Attorney William Hochul wouldn't discuss the investigation or any role his office was playing but did say, "Any complaints that come to my attention we pursue to determine if charges are warranted, and as our record has shown, if charges are warranted, we bring them."
When asked about the internal investigation into Krug, Police Commissioner Daniel Derenda wouldn't give any details. He also wouldn’t comment on how long these types of investigations typically take, though he did say the department is actively investigating.
