Summary:
- Alabama Band Director Johnny Mims claims he was unfairly tazed by police while his band was performing after a football game.
- The incident occurred during a tradition known as the fifth quarter, where both bands keep playing for the crowd after the game ends.
- Police say they told both bands to stop playing due to the school's permit for excessive noise expiring.
- Mims told his band to keep playing, and officers threatened him with arrest before using a taser on him.
- Mims is currently facing charges for disorderly conduct and resisting arrest, and plans to take legal action against the police department.
The Alabama High School Band director seen being tased on video is speaking out, saying he was unfairly tazed by police after his band kept playing during a football game tradition known as 'the fifth quarter.'
Alabama High School Band Director Speaks Out: Claims He was Unfairly Tased by Police
The Alabama High School band director, Johnny Mims, has claimed that he was unfairly tased by police while his band was performing after a football game at a predominantly black high school. The incident occurred during the fifth quarter - a tradition where both teams' bands keep playing for the crowds. The police reportedly asked both bands to stop since the school's permit for excessive noise had expired. While the home band complied, Mims told his band to keep playing. The officers then threatened to arrest him and subsequently used a taser on him.
Excessive Use of Taser
Mims spoke out about the incident, stating that the use of a taser on him was excessive and no educator should ever have to experience that. He emphasized that the most important thing in the situation were the students who were caught in the middle. Mims is currently facing several charges, including disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. As a result of the incident, he has been put on paid administrative leave.
Investigation and Legal Action against Police Department
Mims' legal team has started investigating the incident, and he is planning to take legal action against the police department. The incident has sparked outrage and renewed discussions on the use of excessive force by police and the treatment of black individuals by law enforcement.
Should Police Officers be Trained to Handle similar Situations?
The incident has brought to light the question of whether police officers should receive better training on how to handle similar situations. It has also highlighted the importance of adhering to journalistic ethics and ensuring that accurate reporting is done on such matters.
Police Brutality and Systemic Racism
The incident and others like it have been viewed by many as examples of police brutality and systemic racism. The discussions that have followed the incident have brought up the need for systemic changes to rectify the issues that lead to such instances.
Conclusion
While the investigation is ongoing, the incident has already sparked nationwide discussions on the use of excessive force by police and the need for better training for officers. It has also raised questions on the treatment of black individuals by law enforcement and the systemic issues that lead to such instances. It is hoped that these discussions will lead to meaningful changes and create a safer and more equitable society for all.
Johnny Mims has been put on paid administrative leave, and his legal team is investigating the incident.