After a video went viral showing two police officers beating a deaf Black man, the Phoenix police union has stepped in to defend the officers’ actions, claiming they were simply defending themselves. The incident involved Tyron McAlpin, a 34-year-old man with cerebral palsy, who was punched and tased by officers Benjamin Harris and Kyle Sue on August 19. The officers were responding to a reported assault, but it was later revealed that McAlpin had nothing to do with the alleged incident.
Despite the dismissal of all charges against McAlpin based on surveillance and body camera footage, the Phoenix Law Enforcement Association continues to support the officers’ actions. The union denies any racial or discriminatory motives behind the incident, stating that the officers were simply reacting to the perceived threat.
This incident comes on the heels of a Department of Justice report that found evidence of discrimination and excessive force within the Phoenix Police Department. Despite these findings, city officials have denied the need for federal oversight but have committed to ongoing reform efforts.
The encounter between McAlpin and the officers began when a white man accused McAlpin of assault, claiming he had been punched in the face. Surveillance footage from a nearby store shows McAlpin walking on the sidewalk before being confronted by Officer Harris. The situation quickly escalated, with Harris claiming that McAlpin took a fighting stance and engaged in aggressive behavior.
However, McAlpin’s attorney, Jesse Showalter, disputes this account, stating that McAlpin was gesturing in surprise and possibly indicating his deafness to the officers. Showalter argues that the officers’ use of force only served to escalate the situation, leaving McAlpin with no viable response.
Despite McAlpin’s partner arriving at the scene and explaining his disabilities to the officers, McAlpin was subjected to further violence, including being tased and punched multiple times. The officers failed to acknowledge McAlpin’s deafness in their report, leading to further complications in the case.
The incident has brought attention to the need for better police training on how to interact with individuals who are deaf or hearing impaired. While the police union claims that officers receive this training, recent reports suggest that the officers involved in McAlpin’s case do not recall extensive training on handling individuals with hearing impairments.
As the case continues to unfold, it highlights the importance of accountability and proper training within law enforcement to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The treatment of individuals with disabilities by police officers is a critical issue that must be addressed to ensure the safety and well-being of all community members.
