Supply: Jacob Wackerhausen / Getty
Police brutality towards these experiencing psychological well being disaster has reached an infuriating and disturbing peak and one thing must be carried out instantly to guard those that really need assistance. These individuals aren’t criminals, they’re struggling and historical past exhibits that police aren’t outfitted with the abilities or the empathy to supply assist.
Kenneth Knotts was a type of individuals in determined want of assist. Sadly, his household needed to plan a funeral as an alternative of a hospital go to. On November 29, 2022, Knotts pulled his automotive over to the facet of the highway in agitation after a tire blow out. Based on Dallas Information, he then grabbed his toddler little one, stood atop the car, and informed responding law enforcement officials that the Austin Police Division was attempting to kill him.
The medical expert’s report says he was “reportedly performing erratically, combative and spitting” with Hutchins officers.
Upon being taken to UT Southwestern Medical Heart for psychological analysis, Knotts was reportedly denied water quite a few instances and have become additional agitated. Lately launched physique digital camera footage exhibits what came about simply moments earlier than Kenneth Knotts died underneath the burden of a number of law enforcement officials and medical employees.
Warning: This video could also be disturbing to look at.
Legal professional Geoff Henley has filed a lawsuit towards the College of Texas medical system on behalf of Knotts’ household for extreme and lethal pressure. He argues that UT officers had no reliable motive to restrain Knotts and acted in a “willfully malicious” method.
“He’s getting sandwiched on that mattress,” Henley mentioned as he confirmed the footage to The Information in his Uptown legislation workplace. “You don’t have to finish in demise. It’s simply tragic.”
We are able to solely hope that this lawsuit hits the College’s pockets so arduous that if impacts actual change in police protocol when coping with psychological well being disaster sufferers.
