Another controversial arrest sparked Black Lives Matter protests in Pennsylvania after a police officer was caught on video putting his knee on a black man’s neck during an arrest.
The video of the arrest was recorded on Saturday afternoon, July 11, outside of St. Luke’s Sacred Heart Hospital in Allentown.
The viral video shows three officers forcefully trying to get the man arrested with one them holding him down with his face against the pavement, while another knelt on the man’s neck, in the same position that led to the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis back in May.
Allentown police have not released the man’s identity or information as to what led up to the incident. But the police department recently banned the use of chokeholds and other neck restraints after the death of George Floyd.
In response to the incident, about 100 protesters embarked on Black Lives Matter protests on Saturday night in Allentown, WFMZ reported. Both Allentown’s Mayor Ray O’Connell and Police Chief Glenn Grannitz reportedly showed up at that protests to ease tensions.
Ben Crump, the attorney representing George Floyd’s family, wrote on Twitter, “@AllentownPolice held down this man’s face to the pavement and then one of its officers placed their knee on his neck!! This happened yesterday and is exactly what led to #GeorgeFloyd’s death. We need this officer’s name and badge # NOW. #ICantBreathe”
