Officers with the NYPD are facing criticism after a viral video shows a handful of officers tackle a man on a subway as he sat alone with his hands up.
The video, first tweeted by blogger Elad Nehorai on Friday afternoon, shows two police officers tackle the man, who is black, and about 10 more officers respond as the officers handcuff him.
Nehorai told the Washington Post that the officers drew their guns during the incident, despite the dozens of bystanders in the train and on the platform.
According to a statement by the NYPD , 19-year-old Adrian Napier was arrested for "theft of service" for not paying the $2.75 subway fare.
Police also say that before the video, they received reports that Napier was carrying a gun in Brooklyn. They say he fled the area and ducked into the subway station, where the video begins.
In case you’re wondering how an arrest in NYC goes down. The guy has made absolutely no indication that he would flee or fight and wasn’t trying to hide.
If you can’t see, the reason everyone moved was because all the police had taken out their guns and aimed at him. pic.twitter.com/dAstrtMntz
— Elad Nehorai (@PopChassid) October 25, 2019
The video sparked major criticism online, including from former housing secretary and presidential candidate Julián Castro.
This man didn’t pay his subway fare—but is tackled by at least ten officers in a crowded station.
Officers should be working to deescalate—not putting dozens of lives at risk over $2.75.
pic.twitter.com/JCbY4L5AIi— Julián Castro (@JulianCastro) October 27, 2019
New York City's Civilian Complaint Review Board reached out to Nehorai on Sunday. and said an investigator would be in touch "ASAP." The board acts as the independent oversight agency in charge of investigating the NYPD.
Alex Hider is a writer for the E.W. Scripps National Desk. Follow him on Twitter @alexhider.
