NAACP draws criticism for joining police in press briefing on forced arrests

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If the NAACP stands at the podium with law enforcement, who is left to speak out against the wrongdoing and excesses of officers? asked a retired officer.

The NAACP branch in Rock Hill, SC has drawn criticism for joining police during a press briefing on the forced arrests of two black brothers who were captured on video and shared on social media .

The arrests sparked days of protests last week, prompting Police Chief Chris Watts and Mayor John Gettys to urge the public to remain calm. Rock Hill NAACP President Norma Gray joined them in spreading the message, noting that she found disturbing videos of the violent arrests, NBC News reports.

Anyone in his reasonable and sane mind would find what he saw disturbing, Gray said of the police body camera footage of the incident. She supports the department’s decision not to release the video until the investigation is complete.

Gray also viewed surveillance footage obtained by an attorney for the brothers.

It’s a very different thing to witness a video and witness the scene, Gray said.

The arrest of the brothers gave rise to three days of protests starting last Wednesday. The unrest in the town was sparked after officers from the Rock Hill Police Department arrested Ricky Price, 35, at a gas station on June 23 for making an illegal turn and illegally changing lanes, the report said. .

Rock Hill NAACP President Norma Gray (YouTube screenshot)

During a search of his car, police discovered two bags of marijuana and an illegal handgun. Price’s brother, Travis Price, 32, arrived at the scene and it was then that the situation worsened.

Police say when they removed Rickys’ handcuffs to allow him to pass his jewelry to his brother, he assaulted the police as he tried to escape. Travis allegedly used his body to overthrow officers.

A passerby captured the events that followed in a live Facebook video, in which several officers are seen battling the brothers on the ground. While on the ground, one officer punches Ricky several times in the leg and another punches him in the nose, causing him to bleed.

The story continues

The department then claimed in a press conference that Travis was arrested for refusing to comply with orders to walk away from the scene. When he didn’t obey orders to put his hands behind his back, it led to a fight.

Once video of the arrests went viral, it sparked three nights of protests in Rock Hill.

The officers called upon to serve and protect are not those who were at the scene yesterday, Gray said at the June 24 press conference amid protests. We ask you to protect them. Black lives matter. All lives matter. These officers must return home with their families safe and sound.

The brothers’ lawyer, Justin Bamberg, said Ricky broke his nose during the arrest.

We understand people are crazy, Bamberg said on Friday. It’s not just what happened to Ricky and Travis, it’s a systemic problem. There are people in this country who, frankly, are tired of feeling the punching bag of law enforcement in America. That’s what it’s about.

Two officers involved in the arrests have been placed on leave. Watts said his department recognizes the pain and frustration our community is feeling over this incident.

Meanwhile, the local NAACP is warming up over Gray standing with the police chief at a press conference following the arrest of the Price brothers.

These press conferences represent the interests of police, or city or state officials, more than those most harmed by police abuse, said Yasser Payne, associate professor of sociology and African studies. at the University of Delaware. What we have seen is more assimilated, a compromise, which has lost all real integrity.

Gray understands the optics can trigger, but notes that it is his duty to call for peaceful protests against police violence.

When it comes to calling for calm in our city, they needed a voice that was respected in the community, she said. My message is for everyone because the mission and vision of the NAACP is the equity rights of all people. So I felt very comfortable sandwiched between a white mayor and a white police chief.

Thomas Nolan, a 27-year retired Boston Police Department veteran, said police co-opt the moral authority the NAACP has in communities of color.

If the NAACP stands on the podium with law enforcement and city officials, who is left to speak out against the wrongdoing and excesses of officers? said Nolan, associate professor of sociology at Emmanuel College.

The visual is unequivocal. If they stood there, and even if they express the position that, We will hold the police accountable, nonetheless stood side by side with them offering and supporting an account of what happened.

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The NAACP post draws criticism for joining police when a press briefing on forced arrests first appeared on TheGrio.

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