BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Congressman Brian Higgins is weighing in following Thursday night's video of two Buffalo Police officers knocking a 75-year-old man to the ground.
Higgins said, "The completely unwarranted use of force by police in front of Buffalo City Hall last night is a call to action for our city and country."
He went on to say, "“Videos are exposing unchecked bad actors and the painful truth of what has been happening in our communities for far too long."
The two officers are suspended without pay following the incident caught on-camera by WBFO. While police were clearing Niagara Square, a 75-year-old man was injured. Police initially said he fell, but Mayor Byron Brown since said he was "knocked down" by the police officers.
The protests came in the wake of the death of George Floyd.
Higgins commented on Floyd's death as well, saying, "George Floyd’s murder has led to a nationwide outcry for change. This unacceptable incident right here in our community — and others across the country in the wake of this tragedy — shows how widespread and urgent of a change is needed. The House of Representatives will soon release a legislative package led by the Congressional Black Caucus addressing equal justice and police brutality. There is clearly much work to do. I am eager to work with my colleagues to advance these measures swiftly.”
