Was is right for police to taser and arrest the University of Florida student at the Kerry event?

Question

I would like to hear your opinions on it. I personally think it was all a bit much. I mean, come on, TASERED???

Answer 1

The first mistake was immediately grabbing him when initially trying to get him to leave. The officers went straight to physical force, which probably surprised him and did nothing to keep him calm.

Regardless of whether or not his later actions of resistance were out of line (I don't think they were given how the confrontation began), there was no need to use the taser. There were more than enough officers there to restrain him physically, including the use of handcuffs, without bringing in the tens of thousands of volts. Even warning him of the fact that he would be tasered doesn't negate the fact that it was unnecessary. Just thinking he had a bad attitude or was disrespectful doesn't justify that level of force.

And Kerry did say that he was willing to answer the question.

The whole proceeding escalated much faster than it ever had too.

Answer 2

The incident was a setup from the word go. He is a professional taunter who has bragged of taunting Kobe Bryant in the past, etc....

Notice the police were standing behind him when he started speaking. Normal? No. He pushed his way to the front and was acting rather nasty when last question had already been called. He demanded to be heard. Rather interesting how you only see him on tape after that.

His goal was to disrupt and appear as an upset supporter, he used a guilt technique, as in, he was let down by Kerry and wanted answers, to be reassured. This is how he was able to go on a little longer.

At any rate, he was escorted out and began resisting and yelling. Remember, he was resisting. This is TOTALLY on purpose. He continued to yell and resist over and over.

Why is it that cops must get hurt? That people such as him can strike a cop and that's ok? It's not. A taser is not a bad thing. Its intensely painful but not deadly. It hurts, locks you up but as soon as it's over, it's over. No more pain and more importantly, no more side effects. Pepper Spray would have cleared the hall. ASP batons would have hurt others and left long term effects.

I've seen MANY taser events and when its clicked off, they stop screaming. He was screaming for the cameras. How do I know? Because the 12 page report that was released. When he was escorted down the stairs he turned to the officer who tased him and said, "You did nothing wrong." and was peaceful and quiet. When he got downstairs he started screaming again around the cameras.

There is no excessive force here. He is not hurt, not injured and was only in pain for 5 seconds when the situation was out of control. Had he complied initially, none of this would be an issue. But it's only an issue because people think it's ok to do whatever they want. In the end, he should have complied. There is a lot about the situation that is unknown my many and yet they still comment on it.

Answer 3

Wow, how are things out there in left field. Kerry did the tasering or he ordered it. That is really something. Bush blew up the buildings, caused Katrina, made people buy houses they could not afford, started fires in California, what else? Oh yes, did he give Kerry the taser too? But wait, you said Kerry's staff. Do you mean then that the man cannot even use a taser on his own. We are lost. All is lost, Help.

Answer 4

NO!
He shouldn't have been arrested at all. Is being annoying a crime? Since when?
He was originally charged with inciting a riot and resisting arrest. I'm sorry, what riot? People were sitting in their seats the whole time...And since when is it okay to charge someone with resisting arrest because you never told them what they were being arrested for in the first place...??!? Of course he would resist! Essentially, I could be walking down the street, grabbed by a cop and arrested, if I resisted that arrest I could be charged with resisting arrest? If you're being arrested for nothing, you sure as hell should resist that. The use of the taser is beyond me. I'm also not quite sure why 5 cops were required to subdue this "madman"... He wasn't at the mic all that long, and Kerry wanted to answer his question...I'm pissed that John Kerry let them do that to the guy.
Sorry he wasn't kissing Kerry's *** with some fluffy questions...and sure he was loud but he was passionate...
Can anyone say police state?

Answer 5

It was an incredible abuse of power. There was no reason for any of it. I mean 6 officers are holding him down and they still taser him?

Not to mention they are going to try and charge him starting a riot (where and when did that happen?) and resisting arrest with violence.

Big problem there, I never heard him being read his miranda rights nor did they ever say he "under arrest" until after they physically attacked him.

Self-defense. If it were me, I would have punched the first guy who tried to grab me without showing any badge or making me aware of who they were, and I would be fully protected by the law, or at least should be.

This is just another example, to me, of our govt realizing that it must take harsher steps to control the populace. And another example from some of the replies of how sad and sorry our populace is. How can anyone justify the wrongful arrest and clear infringement of basic liberties that occured?

Answer 6

Go Here To See What Really Happend!! And Also The Best Angle Of It On The Web!!

http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=18391359

Answer 7

The student (Meyer) is well known for hoaxes.The hoax at the University of Florida which was intended to humiliate the police, the university and Senator Kerry was carried out and planned by a number of students. Many of whom started posting on Yahoo Answers almost immediately.

So it was what he wanted and intended. Still probably over reaction

Except

The police have to respond to any potential threat to a politician in office whit speed and effective force.

Answer 8

It was definitely unnecessary. The only thing this kid is guilty of is getting fired up over something he strongly believes in. Did anyone else notice that in the video when the police officer said "You will be tasered if you do not comply," that the student's reply was "IF YOU LET ME GO, I'LL WALK OUT OF HERE." If that's not an obvious indicator that he was compliant and willing to leave the premises, I don't know what is. It sickens me that our so-called freedom of speech only applies when you are saying something that agrees with the masses.

Answer 9

I think the rush to remove him was done too hastily. I think he should have been given a chance to speak no matter how foolish he was. The ability to mock and ridicule our leaders is what the 1st Amendment is all about. However, once he began struggling and resisting the officers, they are free to use necessary force to subdue him. I think he was doing a fine job until he started struggling with the police. He crossed the line when his disobedience changed from words to actions.

Answer 10

So you think the student has the right to go in and disrupt anything he wants?

You think the student has the right to show disrespect, not only to the speaker, but to the police and campus security?

You think the student has the right to disobey a direct order to LEAVE grounds that he does not own? (he is a guest there, for whatever reason)

Was the student warned that he would be tasered? I heard it at least TWICE.

This student had some good points but he went about it ALL wrong to try and get his point across. Yes, we do have freedom of speech but why is it people today don't have a clue how far that freedom goes???

Regardless of your agenda, when the police speak, obey. This is not the way to try and get your point across and if anything, actually turns people away from what you have to say.

There is a right way and a wrong way but unfortunately, most students are spoiled and think their way is the only way. Years ago the students at Kent State did the same thing ~ they were told to leave but did they listen? No, instead they ATTACKED the Guard and then people have the NERVE to get upset when the Guard protected themselves?

People, you need to grow up and get real out there. You don't have the final say on things no matter how much mom and dad let you do things like this at home.