Georgia Deputy placed on leave after showing excessive physical force on Roderick Walker

Warning: The video referenced below is difficult to watch.

On September 12th, a disturbing video was uploaded on Twitter which has gone viral and prompted demands for answers. The video is a painful one to watch. Another Black man on the ground, beaten to the pulp by those who are sworn to defend the public. Bystanders are screaming while wails of a child crying “Daddy!” are heard as two deputies are seen holding down a man and punching him in the face.

The initial reports stated that Walker was a passenger for a Lyft drive. However, Lyft has confirmed this was not their vehicle. It is now reported that it was friends vehicle who was driving them back home froma rental car service. They got pulled over for a tail light. The deputy then asked Walker for his ID. Walker did not have it on him and asked why the officer needed his ID. Walker was asked to step out of his vehicle and the rest is history.

Sheriff Victor Hill said his office became aware of the arrest video and asked Internal Affairs to open an investigation Friday night. The Sheriff has ordered that the Deputy in this this video be placed on leave without pay as an investigation begins.

The next question is why was Walker asked for his ID in the first place? He was not operating the vehicle. Maybe that is why someone else was giving him a ride. I have been in a car when pulled over and the police never asked me for my ID. I have even been the one pulled over too and none of my passengers were asked for ID. According to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, passengers in a car don’t have to identify themselves.

So why with Walker? Some will start off by asking “Ohhhhh, BUT what happened BEFORE the recording began? What did he do to get the police this angry?” in an attempt to downplay this. This argument is easily refuted with the fact that Walker NEVER had to show his ID in the first place. Perhaps, they should be asking the most important question of them all. Why did two police officers think that punching an unarmed man in the face with such force is acceptable? 3 on 1 for a tail light in a car which you’re a passenger…..and he goes to jail  for two counts of battery and two counts of obstruction? It goes without saying that this is COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE.

A rally near the jail was held Sunday evening for Walkers release and accountability for the actions of these police officers. This is a developing story and more be reported as information becomes available.