BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — During his daily update on Friday, Governor Andrew Cuomo directly addressed a caught on camera altercation between Buffalo Police and a 75-year-old man Thursday evening.
Mr. Cuomo calling the incident, "disturbing to the basic sense of decency and humanity," adding "it's fundamentally offensive." Cuomo believes Buffalo leaders should, "pursue firing" the officers and said the District Attorney should investigate the situation for possible criminal charges.
Members of the Buffalo Police Department were working to clear the square Thursday evening when a demonstrator, identified as Martin Gugino, approached officers. Two of the officers can be seen shoving Mr. Gugino, one with a nightstick. Mr. Gugino then smacks his head on the pavement and blood pooling around the man's head.
The two officers involved are now suspended without pay.
Cuomo says he spoke with Mr. Gugino, is is in serious but stable condition at ECMC with a head injury.
It is in all of our interest to stop police abuse.
— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) June 5, 2020
Stopping police abuse vindicates the overwhelming majority of good police.
It restores trust. It restores safety.
For the sake of our communities, we must do this.
Members of the Buffalo Police Department are expected to provide an update on Friday at 1:30pm.
