n a video that has gone viral on social media, three officers are seen throwing a black woman to the floor after they were called in when she reportedly refused to pay for utensils at Waffle House, an American chain restaurant.
In the video, the woman is heard repeatedly asking officers, “What are you doing?” to which one answers, “I’ll break your arm, that’s what I’m about to do”.
The video has sparked outrage on social media, with many going so far as to call for a boycott of Waffle House, a cultural staple for many Southern Black youth.
Saraland Police Department which responded to the incident says they stand by their arrest, citing that the incident had nothing to do with plastic utensils and “everything to do with the alcoholic beverage the guests brought in with them”.
Waffle House released the statement below on its Twitter account, standing by the ‘appropriate’ actions of the police:
We are still obtaining and reviewing information. However, the information we have received at this point differs significantly from what has reportedly been attributed to Ms. Clemons. After reviewing our security video of the incident and eye witness accounts, police intervention was appropriate. The Saraland Police Department is conducting its own investigation. We take this matter very seriously and think it is important for all those involved or interested in the matter to exercise caution until the facts are developed.
View the video and reactions below:
Indeed. It is disgusting how often this racist & fascist response from police occurs over no violation of the law. Ugh! I am so angry about this.
— Margret W. (@GManfan64) April 23, 2018
This is shameful. #ShameOnYou America. I will pass this on to my friends around the world. I will call on all of them to boycott the US. A country still marred in blatant #racism & disregard for human rights & dignity. #BoycottUSA #FuckUSA #Fucktrump ???
— Lolo O’Clock? (@_pleiade_) April 23, 2018
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