The NYPD’s Internal Affairs Bureau is investigating after an officer was seen using a chokehold on a Queens mad during an arrest that was shared widely on social media:
There was an incident in the 100th precinct in Queens and the NYPD’s Internal Affair Bureau is actively investigating the force used.
— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) June 21, 2020
Ben Crump, attorney for George Floyd’s family in Minnesota, shared the video and called for the officer to be fired and arrested:
NYPD Officer David Afandor (Badge #31730) CHOKED a young Black man until he was unconscious today in Far Rockaway Beach!! Doing this broke city and state law — and I demand Ofc. Afandor’s immediate firing and arrest!! #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/Tczde0oeqo
— Ben Crump (@AttorneyCrump) June 21, 2020
The NYPD released body camera footage of the arrest:
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Here is the body worn camera associated with this incident.
This matter is taken extremely seriously and updates will be shared with the public as the investigation unfolds.https://t.co/21Mz3YPQKZ
— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) June 21, 2020
The officer has since been suspended without pay according to NYPD Commissioner Shea:
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Accountability in policing is essential. After a swift investigation by the Internal Affairs Bureau, a police officer involved in a disturbing apparent chokehold incident in Queens has been suspended without pay. https://t.co/pAFUo0zxnc
— Commissioner Shea (@NYPDShea) June 21, 2020
Shea went on to say that suspending the officer immediately was “necessary” despite the investigation not being completed:
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While a full investigation is still underway, there is no question in my mind that this immediate action is necessary.
We are committed to transparency as this process continues.
— Commissioner Shea (@NYPDShea) June 21, 2020
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