Brother Hannibal Blogging: Councilman Mike Johnson & Police Brutality Press Conference

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Councilman Mike Johnson & Police Brutality Press Conference

As a child many people grow up with the idea of making a difference in the world. Well, that is what I got from Councilman Mike Johnson as he expressed his concerns at today's press conference. For those who do not know. Councilman Mike Johnson was wrongfully abused by some local police officers here in Phoenix, AZ.

This what Mike had to say."I was not confrontational or disrespectful. I simply was concerned about my neighbor’s safety. After repeated requests to talk to the officer’s supervisor, I was told they don’t have a supervisor on scene and “we don’t do it like that out here.” Instead I was thrown to the ground and handcuffed. Face down. In the middle of my street.

He also said: "The officer’s partner asked the officer to calm down, but the officer continued his aggressive behavior. The officer instructed me to get up and I asked for assistance. I informed the officer I recently had surgery and was unable to stand up without help. I’m very thankful for the firefighters who helped me and prevented me from being dragged across the street to the curb, which the officer said he would do to me."
These type of situation are not only happening here in Arizona, but across this whole country. When are they going to stop? What can we do to prevent them to occurring again?

Mike recognized that this happens daily, but you never think this would happen to a retiree and Councilman.

There is so much more that took place in this press conference, but I will not give you everything. Look out for it in the Final Call Newspaper in issues to come.

See pictures: