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Tag: William McNeil Jr.

  • Lawyers Urge DOJ to Investigate William McNeil Jr. Arrest

    Following the state attorney’s decision not to pursue further action against the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office deputy involved in the violent arrest of William McNeil Jr., prominent civil rights attorneys Harry Daniels and Ben Crump are taking the case to the federal level. They have formally requested the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to launch an investigation into the incident.

    Calls for Federal Intervention

    The incident, which occurred on February 19, involved Officer Donald Bowers repeatedly punching the 22-year-old Black college student after breaking his car window and dragging him out of his vehicle. The violent encounter was captured on viral video, sparking national outrage. Despite this, the state attorney’s office concluded its review without taking further action against the deputy.

    Attorneys Crump and Daniels have submitted a request to the Assistant Attorney General of the Civil Rights Division, urging the DOJ to investigate whether McNeil’s civil rights were violated under 18 U.S. Code § 242. This federal statute prohibits the deprivation of rights under color of law.

    Critique of the State Attorney’s Report

    In a press release, Crump’s office detailed the extent of McNeil’s injuries, including lacerations, a fractured tooth, and a diagnosed traumatic brain injury, allegedly sustained from multiple blows to the face and body, and forceful slamming of his head on the pavement. The attorneys criticized the State Attorney’s report for attempting to rationalize Officer Bowers’ actions and for overlooking key details.

    Specifically, the lawyers pointed out that Officer Bowers failed to report his initial strike to McNeil’s face and claimed McNeil was attempting to flee, a narrative contradicted by the video evidence. Furthermore, they highlighted the State Attorney’s Office’s decision not to interview McNeil, which they argue is a fundamental prosecutorial oversight.

    Contradictions and Questionable Justifications

    The initial justification for the stop—driving without a seatbelt and headlights—also faces scrutiny. Video footage shows it was daytime, and there were no apparent signs of inclement weather. Regarding the seatbelt claim, Crump and Daniels noted that the video shows McNeil was wearing his seatbelt. The report also mentions McNeil reaching towards his floorboard before officers broke his window, where an unsheathed knife was later found, though no video footage supports this claim.

    It’s not just how violent and brutal these officers were. It’s that they were absolutely unapologetic because they knew no one was going to hold them accountable. — Harry Daniels

    Daniels stated, “It’s clear that the State Attorney’s Office refuses to do anything about it. So we’re calling on the Department of Justice.” Crump echoed this sentiment, calling the State Attorney’s Office’s failure to hold officers accountable “as appalling as the beating itself.”

    Skepticism Regarding DOJ Response

    However, the article expresses skepticism about the likelihood of a thorough DOJ investigation under the current administration, suggesting that civil rights cases must align with the political agenda. The piece references the DOJ’s recent decisions to end police-accountability agreements with Minneapolis and Louisville, which stemmed from investigations following the deaths of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd.

    What are your thoughts on the request for a DOJ investigation into William McNeil Jr.’s arrest? Share your opinions in the comments below.

  • Ben Crump Demands DOJ Probe into JSO Beating

    You might have seen the disturbing video circulating online this summer – a violent encounter between Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) officers and a 22-year-old man named William McNeil Jr. Now, prominent civil rights attorneys Harry Daniels and Ben Crump are demanding that the U.S. Department of Justice step in and launch a full investigation into the incident.

    What Happened to William McNeil Jr.?

    The video footage is hard to watch. It shows McNeil being repeatedly struck in the face and body, and then forcefully slammed onto the pavement. According to reports, McNeil was unarmed and not posing a threat at the time of the assault. The brutal attack left him with serious injuries, including lacerations, a fractured tooth, and a traumatic brain injury.

    Concerns Over Official Accounts and Accountability

    Adding to the outrage, McNeil’s attorneys claim that JSO Officer Bowers’ official report doesn’t match the video evidence. The officer reportedly stated he only struck McNeil outside the car because the young man was attempting to flee, but the video appears to show otherwise. This discrepancy raises serious questions about the initial reporting of the incident.

    Furthermore, Daniels and Crump are criticizing the State Attorney’s Office for what they describe as a failure to hold the officers accountable. They point out that standard legal procedures, such as interviewing the victim, were allegedly not followed. Ben Crump stated that the state’s inaction is ‘as appalling as the beating itself,’ highlighting a deep concern about justice and accountability within the system.

    The Call for Federal Intervention

    With the local authorities facing criticism, the demand for a federal investigation by the Department of Justice signifies a critical moment. Civil rights advocates hope that a DOJ probe will ensure a thorough and impartial review of the incident, leading to appropriate accountability for those involved and potentially preventing future occurrences.

    What are your thoughts on the call for a DOJ investigation into the Jacksonville police beating? Let us know in the comments!