Police Brutality Incident during Protest in Lower Manhattan
In May 2023, a disturbing incident occurred in Lower Manhattan during a protest, resulting in a woman sustaining serious injuries. Shakim McKnight filed a lawsuit against the city, naming Deputy Commissioner Kaz Daughtry and two senior commanders of the Police Department as defendants. McKnight alleged that on May 8, 2023, near Crosby and Houston Streets, Daughtry and other officials tackled her to the ground while she was filming a vigil for Jordan Neely, a homeless man who had recently been involved in a fatal altercation.
The Alleged Assault and Subsequent Arrest
According to McKnight’s attorney, the police officers pursued McKnight for unspecified reasons as she was crossing the street. Daughtry reportedly threw her to the ground, and other officials piled on top of her, causing injuries to her eye socket and forehead. McKnight was arrested at the scene and taken to a precinct, where she did not receive immediate medical attention. She was later transported to Bellevue Hospital for treatment, where it was discovered that she had suffered a sprained ankle, wrist, and other injuries.
Legal Proceedings and Emotional Impact
Despite being charged with disorderly conduct, McKnight’s attorney stated that she was only guilty of failing to disperse during the protest. The charge was eventually dismissed, but the emotional and physical trauma McKnight experienced lingered. She described feeling afraid to leave her house and anxious whenever she encountered law enforcement officials.
In conclusion, the incident involving Shakim McKnight highlights the ongoing issues of police brutality and excessive force during protests. It also sheds light on the challenges faced by individuals seeking justice in such situations, as well as the long-lasting impact of such traumatic events on their lives.
