Olympic medallist Fred Kerley’s violent arrest video reignites questions on policing of black males in USA

US Olympic dash star Fred Kerley’s arrest in Miami, Florida, which included a violent confrontation with the police earlier than the athlete was tasered has led to an enormous controversy. The 29-year-old Kerley, who received 100m bronze at 2024 Paris Olympics, was arrested in South Florida late Thursday after a confrontation with police, authorities mentioned.

Physique digital camera footage launched by Miami Seaside police captures Fred Kerley in a heated change with a bunch of officers earlier than the state of affairs escalated right into a bodily confrontation. As per the video, Kerley was taken to the bottom, struck a number of occasions by an officer, after which tasered in the course of the altercation.

The video of Kerley’s arrest has led to an internet furore with many customers on X accusing the police of “abusing their energy and use of pressure in America”.

What occurred to Fred Kerley is disgusting, however sadly not shocking. One other instance of police abusing their energy and use of pressure in America. Cop got here up confrontationally, then beat on Fred whereas he’s being held down on the bottom. Hope he wins a lawsuit and other people get fired.

— Andrew Sweeney (@CoachSweeneyXC) January 3, 2025

“That is COMPLETE OVERUSE OF FORCE by the Miami-Dade Police towards Fred Kerley,” an person wrote.

That is COMPLETE OVERUSE OF FORCE by the Miami-Dade Police towards Fred Kerley.

The identical Fred Kerley, who simply completed representing the USA and profitable a Bronze Medal within the 100m on the 2024 Olympics in Paris. How do you signify your nation and are available house to pointless beat… pic.twitter.com/BMnf5tys8d

— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) January 4, 2025

Listed here are different reactions:

The Fred Kerley arrest video is basically disturbing and in addition makes me take into consideration what number of black males are arrested similarly and not using a digital camera to doc it. Hope he sues the Miami police into the solar.

— Aidan Reed (@AidanReed45) January 4, 2025

Very disturbing video of Olympic 100m bronze medalist and Benjamin Azamati’s coaching companion, Fred Kerley, getting manhandled by police in Miami. pic.twitter.com/x2xgnq2fSM

— Fentuo Tahiru Fentuo (@Fentuo_) January 3, 2025

Police’s model

In response to an arrest report, officers have been investigating an unrelated energetic police scene when Kerley approached the world and tried to pressure his means by way of to his automobile, which was parked close by. Officers had instructed Kerley to go across the space, however Kerley started to argue with them, which led to a shoving match with police.

4 officers tried to take Kerley into custody whereas he moved to evade arrest, officers mentioned. After being surprised with the Taser, Kerley was taken to an area hospital after which to the Miami-Dade County jail.

Kerley is charged with battery, resisting an officer and disorderly conduct. On-line courtroom data didn’t instantly listing an lawyer for Kerley, and USA Observe & Area, the nationwide governing physique for monitor and area within the US, declined to touch upon the arrest.

Kerley received the silver medal for the 100 meters on the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo and the bronze for a similar occasion on the 2024 Olympics in Paris. He has additionally earned six medals on the World Athletics Championships.

With company inputs