Is this a case of Police going too far?

[Kal-El]

This one's not as bad as the one at UCLA last year. A University of Florida student was tasered for causing a scene while Senator John Kerry was answering questions.He is being charged with the third degree felony of resisting arrest with violence and if convicted will face a penalty of up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.

WARNING NOT SAFE FOR WORK OR THE FAINT OF HEART

[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sE76LQwT6qA[/YOUTUBE]

I really don't see what he did wrong, or why 5-6 cops had to taser him while he was already down on the ground being handcuffed. Sure he resisted, but there's no reason someone with 6 cops holding them down needs to be tasered. Furthurmore, I think that cop thinking it was funny (the chubby white one with the huge smile on his face) is completely out of line.

I've also heard some people say that Mr. Kerry actually said he wanted to answer the question, but the cops didn't seem to care.

Please, I want to have a mature discussion about if what happened was right or going too far. No "haha the guy got tasered that's funny" crap. Lets keep it grown up. Thank-you.

[Chocopolka]

Originally Posted by AFP

Police use stun gun on student as Senator John Kerry looks on
14 hours ago

MIAMI (AFP) — Videos posted on the Internet Tuesday show police shocking a Florida university student with a controversial electric stun gun during a speech by US Senator John Kerry, prompting the former presidential candidate to express regret over the incident.

The footage shows the young man yelling Monday evening as four policemen pull him out of the University of Florida hall where Kerry spoke, and administering the shock as the student screams "Don't Tase me," referring to the popular Taser electroshock weapon.

The student, identified as Andrew Meyer, apparently got upset when his microphone was shut off as he asked a lengthy series of questions. As officers carried Meyer away, Kerry could be heard saying he would answer the questions.

Officials at the university in Gainesville said Meyer had used up his allotted time for speaking.

Meyer asked Kerry about impeaching US President George W. Bush and whether he and Bush had been members of the secret "Skulls and Bones" society when they studied at Yale University.

"In 37 years of public appearances, through wars, protests and highly emotional events, I have never had a dialogue end this way," Kerry said in a statement.

"I regret enormously that a good healthy discussion was interrupted," he said.

"I asked the police to allow me to answer the question and was in the process of responding when he was taken into custody. I was not aware that a Taser was used until after I left the building. I hope that neither the student nor any of the police were injured," Kerry added.

The student was held overnight by police and released on Tuesday.

Two officers involved in the incident have been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation, according to University of Florida President Bernard Machen.

Tasers and other electric stun guns have sparked huge controversies in the United States as opponents to their use by law enforcement officials claim they have caused numerous deaths.

Tasering him when the cops obviously had him down is way out of line.

[H2O.pry0r]

Originally Posted by Chocopolka

Tasering him when the cops obviously had him down is way out of line.

Agreed

[Gun Monkey]

As a former Criminal Justice major, a family member that has descended from numerous wars, and the best friend of a cop, I can say that these officers did go too far.

Liberals have long since escaped from persecution, despite performing much more heinous tricks at Republican speeches. I say fair is fair. The man had something to say. Democracy (we're a Republic, actually, but don't tell the masses, since they aren't smart enough to figure out the difference).

In the end, he made a good set of points, and Kerry couldn't answer.

[Buddy H2O]

I'll lay it down right here. Anyone who agrees that tasering him was neccessary is a ******* idiot. That was just ridiculous. Idc if he was resisting arrest. They could of found a better way of handleing this. Its really surprising that this even happened imo.

[w00ttastic]

Originally Posted by Gun Monkey

As a former Criminal Justice major, a family member that has descended from numerous wars, and the best friend of a cop, I can say that these officers did go too far.

Liberals have long since escaped from persecution, despite performing much more heinous tricks at Republican speeches. I say fair is fair. The man had something to say. Democracy (we're a Republic, actually, but don't tell the masses, since they aren't smart enough to figure out the difference).

In the end, he made a good set of points, and Kerry couldn't answer.

Kerry couldn't answer because the person who asked the question got a few thousand volts to the chest. I highly doubt that he wanted this to actually happen. In fact, he's made it a point to seem as if he is on the student's side. I think what it was is a sad case of "It's our time to shine" for the police department. A politician/celebrity was in the area, put into an awkward situation, and an example had to be made out of him apparently. If the man being arrested posed that much of a threat to the well being of the policemen, keep in mind ALL SIX OF THEM, then perhaps not only should their entire department undergo anger management classes, but also better field training if six people cannot apprehend one individual. It's the police's responsibility to know how to handle the situation, not act irrationally in "the heat of the moment." Of course, as we all know, police brutality is not an uncommon thing. Hell, ask a kid who skateboards. I'm sure they can tell you about many run ins with big headed policemen.

[Deadly Tek]

this is an obvious case of police abusing the power they have just because they have it. but sadly this happens everyday, only reaosn anyone here is talking about this is because its on video. growing up in philly there were cops looking for any reason to arrest anyone. when i was 13 i was pushed off of my bike by a coip for riding by a stolen car. was told that if i didnt stop moving and keep my hands which were bleeding on the wall, i was gonna be thrown on the ground and mased. most cops dont give a **** what they do and get enjoyment out of abusing there power.

[Souls]

Yes, they went to far. Unfortuantely this is a rather mild example compared to other recent police incidents. Its scary to think that the people who are charged with keeping the peace and have the trust of the people are not only capable of breaching that trust, but do so on a regular basis.

[Kal-El]

I was thinking. They got this on video. Couldn't he use it to make a case against the cops in court? I know it wouldn't change what happened, but he'd at least get an apology from the police department and some cash out of it. The cops involved would also think twice about doing it again.

You can pretty clearly hear Kerry say "I'll answer his question." and "It's an important question."

The footage shows the young man yelling Monday evening as four police [officers] (that's more PC) pull him out of the University of Florida hall where Kerry spoke, and administering the shock as the student screams "Don't Tase me," referring to the popular Taser electroshock weapon.

I counted 6. I don't know why the journalist says there's only 4.

The student, identified as Andrew Meyer, apparently got upset when his microphone was shut off as he asked a lengthy series of questions.

In the video he seems to have gotten angry because they try to stop in 20 seconds after he started talking. He was mad because they wouldn't even let him ask his question.

Two officers involved in the incident have been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation, according to University of Florida President Bernard Machen.

Why only 2 of them? The article states there were 4 involved (even though video evidence shows 6). They should ALL be suspended.

[H2O Bunnys]

Originally Posted by Dex Luther

I was thinking. They got this on video. Couldn't he use it to make a case against the cops in court? I know it wouldn't change what happened, but he'd at least get an apology from the police department and some cash out of it. The cops involved would also think twice about doing it again.

You can pretty clearly hear Kerry say "I'll answer his question." and "It's an important question."



I counted 6. I don't know why the journalist says there's only 4.



In the video he seems to have gotten angry because they try to stop in 20 seconds after he started talking. He was mad because they wouldn't even let him ask his question.



Why only 2 of them? The article states there were 4 involved (even though video evidence shows 6). They should ALL be suspended.

lol dex you need something to do, but anyways ya ive heard about this all over the news and in the newspaper i think they just totally went out of line, the kid shouldnt be punished at all for some retarded thing like asking a question while recording it. I mean even though he got angry the cops had no right to turn off his mic >.> as for the fact that the article lied as to how many cops were actually there meh they cant lie when there is a video out on the internet showing otherwise

[kai.dregon]

It is because he talked about impeaching bush. That is why he is being charged so highly over nothing. Watch what you say Americans, you could get arrested for it.

[H2O sobe]

And to think that freedom of speech is still even around nowdays.... When america was founded the voices from the governing fathers did in fact state that they wanted this freedom of speech to let ones' own speak out against any tyrany they thought was wrong and that the people governing would take listen into the words said.

It just seems that now noone has a right to say anything.

I mean seriously, the fat cop was smiling when he was sitting on him..... And he was pretty much immobile, so why the need for tazer? To shut him up from his granted rights as an american?

Soon enough the presidential system will add a new branch that will house assassins. And they will sure enough go after anyone saying even the slightest thing, like saying the president is stupid.

[w00ttastic]

[H2O Magic]

this video proves a point about policemans: they really dont care just as long as they are enjoying it. i mean come on u have this fat guy and five other cops on him and then u tazer him! thats pathetic they go through training of how to take down a guy and six couldnt take hom down? but besides that he shouldn't have been arrested because its freedom of speech and all he wanted was some answers. looking at this video makes me wonder whats going to happen the next few years

[PMS Kassi]

Well, he should have spoke a bit more calmly and not resisted arrest. He was a wiggler and all. Meh I am indifferent on this. He knew what was coming with the "Don't Tase Me!" comment but yet he kept on all he would have had to do was stop and stay still and calmly talk to them. Not try to wiggle and resist arrest.

Kid shoulda just sucked it up, John Kerry was actually going to answer his questions and started to. I dunno I think the kid wanted to start a show. He did and he was on the butt end of it. I laughed so sue me.

Originally Posted by Buddy H2O

I'll lay it down right here. Anyone who agrees that tasering him was neccessary is a ******* idiot. That was just ridiculous. Idc if he was resisting arrest. They could of found a better way of handleing this. Its really surprising that this even happened imo.

So you want a person to be able to resist arrest? I laugh at that statement. Let's let them throw punches and beat up a cop. Makes complete sense! Or have a loud mouth start crap. Heck let's let them shoot the cop before they do anything! Makes complete sense! *sarcasm* They used the most "appropriate action" possible to get him to be subdued. All he would have had to do was stop being a baby. He was putting on a show like I said. I laugh each time I see it and I don't like Kerry or Bush or any "politic crap".

I will say that there were 6 cops around but I can tell you 6 cops weren't all putting their hands on him. He resisted arrest and imo over reacted to the taser just for publicity the cameras were rolling. Anytime there are cameras it's police brutality. Who knows he could have been spitting on the cops or hitting at them when he was down. Cops did what they had to. In the end it served as a good laugh for me others it serves as something else to get riled up over!

Freedom comes at a price it's not completely free. (Aka act like an idiot break the rules no freedom!)

P.S. Watch the video a few times so many people are laughing or smiling. He made a big show they knew it.

P.S.2 "He's got a taser on his chest...what an idiot!" the womans voice.

P.S. 3 How many times does a cop have to ask and warn a person before they take action?

P.S. 4 "Tase me bro...Don't tase me!" Listen to the words..he asked for it then he said not to!

[Clov3r]

I saw this on 4chan. It was getting interesting responses.

Honest. The guy was being a **** to Kerry. Deserved to be taken away, but tasered - iono. I've had self restraining problems before when I was younger, and it seems that the guy was really trying to get away and fight back, so I can understand why they felt the need to taser him, but I think they should have handled the tasering a little bit more professionally. There are other means, but i suppose with the lecture, there wasnt enough time to talk him into being quiet and moving along.

[parkzzzz]

Hate to break it to you sister. We've been paying the price of government cover-ups since the 90's. We have 0 freedoms now adays. What do you call the patriot act and the ever chaning executive orders. Might as well kiss democracy good bye and say hello to socialism. back to the subject, 6v1 and hes on the ground nearly handcuffed then you tase him. That is police brutality. If you don't see that then ur obviously blind or have an mental issue and need to see someone about that.

I'm not trying to be rude but this is why are country is so screw. Its because 95% of us see the picture but only 5% of us can understand it. His charges will be thrown out because of the publicity it received but if it was on video this guy would be in a federal prison right now.

[Clov3r]

Come back and talk to me after taking some college liberal studies classes. I can respect your conspiracy theorisim in that its not a social radicalism, but I still think that you should actually try and understand how to properly critque and translate a situation before instantly blaming the government for the downfall of an idealistic view of American society that has never truely existed.


...sry I just came from my Text and Image class. lol


translation:
Conspiracy Theory is just another way for people to
blame the government for problems they dont care
about enough to change themselves.

[Sweet Pea]

Omg thats so sad. Stupid ugly fat guy.

[H2O.pry0r]

Originally Posted by PMS Kassi

P.S. 4 "Tase me bro...Don't tase me!" Listen to the words..he asked for it then he said not to!

RoE wouldn't allow them to do that, even if he asked for it. Either way, they went a little too far. Things happen, people move on. They made a mistake, big deal. Those officers are human, humans make mistakes.