The college football game between Florida and Georgia on November 2nd, 2024, ended with some controversy. From what I understand, officers were called to remove certain fans at the request of security.
In the first incident, which I will include videos of below, one individual appears to be heavily intoxicated. This person refuses to comply with officers commands to leave the stadium. The situation escalates when the individual threatens the officers’ lives and uses a racial slur directed at a Black officer who is ordering him to put his hands behind his back. After assessing that this individual posed a danger to themselves, the officers, and others nearby, the officers deployed a taser. The first taser briefly subdued the individual. The second taser by another officer seemed only to aggravate him. Following a failed attempt to bring the individual to the ground, the officers were forced to use physical force to complete the arrest.
In my opinion, the officers handled the situation appropriately. The individual disregarded basic commands, made threats, and used racial slurs toward the officers. Under these circumstances, force appeared to be the only way to ensure the individual’s removal. At one point, the individual even appeared to reach for the officer’s belt, possibly attempting to access his firearm. Given the situation, I believe the officers acted correctly; once the individual was handcuffed, the situation de-escalated, and he walked out with the officers. Based on the videos I’ve reviewed, I think they did an excellent job.
Jax Sheriff’s Office Incident 1 Officer Bowers’ BWC.
Jax Sheriff’s Office Incident 1 Suspect, Walter Brown, threatens to ＂kill a cop ＂.
Jax Sheriff’s Office Incident 1 Officer Kelly’s BWC.
Jax Sheriff’s Office Incident 1 Suspect grabs Officer Kelly’s gun.
In this second incident, similar to the first, security requested police assistance to remove disorderly individuals from the stadium. In the videos, these individuals appear to be intoxicated and are visibly showboating to those around them. One individual in an orange and blue jersey initially began walking out into the aisle with the police but then retreated back into the seating area. When the officer approached him again, the individual took a fighting stance. At least two individuals in this group engaged in physical altercations with the officers, who subsequently took both to the ground and placed them under arrest.
Based on the footage I’ve reviewed, I don’t believe the officers acted inappropriately. Although one sergeant appears to be somewhat more forceful than the other officers, given the circumstances, I would consider his actions justified.
Photos:
Videos:
Jax Sheriff’s Office Incident 2 Sgt Beasley’s BWC.
Jax Sheriff’s Office Incident 2 Officer Anthony’s BWC.
Jax Sheriff’s Office Incident 2 Officer Catino’s BWC.
After watching all the videos, including footage from individuals in the stands and officers’ body cameras, I don’t believe the police are at fault here. I genuinely think these incidents could have been avoided if the individuals involved had simply complied with police orders to exit the stands. I also believe alcohol was a contributing factor in both incidents. Be sure to check out the press conference below.
News Briefing reference GA-FL Viral videos.