Pennsylvania Police Officer Punches Demonstrator During a March Held in Protest of Police Brutality

April 16, 2022 - Written by S.J.

On April 16, a police officer in Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania punched a demonstrator during a march seeking justice for Jim Rogers, a Black man who was tased to death last year by Pittsburgh police.

According to reports, the demonstrators gathered near an intersection in Wilkinsburg, a Pennsylvania borough located less than 10 miles from downtown Pittsburgh, while Jim Rogers’ niece, Diamond Rogers, spoke to the crowd. Officers interrupted her speech with a loud speaker, in an attempt to disperse the crowd. Two members of the demonstration confronted Officer Taylor, who was in his car at the time, and asked that he allow Diamond to finish her speech. Taylor denied their request and the conversation became heated.

Taylor exited his vehicle just as a third demonstrator entered the conversation. The demonstrator, who has been identified as Vuestro Merced, attempted to break up the argument, at which point Officer Taylor struck them in the face. The punch was forceful enough to land Merced on the ground. Additional officers and a police dog rushed towards them. Merced and the demonstrators who had been arguing with Officer Taylor were all arrested. Witnesses say the protest was peaceful.

According to a Twitter post Merced, and the other arrested protesters, have since been released. The Justice for Jim Rogers Twitter account, @Justice4JimJim, tweeted, “Sending love and solidarity to this incredible human being! Pittsburgh, show out and show support for this comrade” alongside a photo of Merced and their Cash App handle.