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Peaceful protest turns hot after Wilkinsburg officer accused of assaulting protesters – WPXI


WILKINSBURG, Father. – A protest that started peacefully took a turn for the worse on Saturday afternoon after an officer allegedly assaulted a protester.

The protest was organized to demand justice for Jim Rogers, a Pittsburgh man who was repeatedly killed by city officials.

Organizers said they were told to disperse upon arrival in Wilkinsburg, and that is when the attack is believed to have occurred.

Standing with the protesters, the family of Jim Rogers expressed concern about police brutality and demanded that the police be held accountable.

The crowd — however small — marched several miles with police escort until they reached Wilkinsburg.

At the time, one protester told 11 News that they had been met by several police departments, including Wilkinsburg, Swissvale, Edgewood and Church Hill.

Wilkinsburg police told the crowd to keep moving or they would be arrested, and minutes later, the alleged assault took place.

Brandi Fisher of the Police Accountability Coalition said: “It appears to be an act of force. “Officers punching someone in the face doesn’t appear to be a trained or professionally trained response.”

This is why more training is needed for officers, says Fisher.

Mayor Dontae Comans of Wilkinsburg issued this statement to 11 News following the incident:

“The video being shared shows what we don’t want to see or experience when a community is expressing its vulnerability to police-sanctioned violence… I’ve been in contact with Our sheriff and officers have body cameras turned on. This camera will be used to investigate the next steps. ”

Comans went on to say that he was grateful that the situation did not escalate further and assured the public that he would keep everyone informed of upcoming procedures and protocols.





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